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Unwrap model
3

Unwrap model

Unwrap model

(OP)
Has anyone had any luck with other app's for unwrapping a model or surfaces?
I would like to take a model that is built entirely of surfaces and 'unwrap' them to create cutting patterns.
I searched the web and found some app's, but I don't want to download free trials until I hear from others what they have tried.
I looked into sheetmetal, but the shapes are irregular and complicated.

Some sites I found doing a quick Google search:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65835
 
http://en.wiki.mcneel.com/default.aspx/McNeel/AdvancedFlattening.html
 
http://en.wiki.mcneel.com/default.aspx/McNeel/RhinoLabsTools.html
 
http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/

Chris
SolidWorks 09, CATIA V5
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Unwrap model

I don't recall ever having a SW surfaces model to try unwrapping, but Rhinoceros is the first thing that comes to mind when I want to deal with any kind of surface.  I used Rhino 1 and 3 to translate <-> AutoCAD 14 and 2k when I worked in a tin shop,

We used ACAD for generating drawings and 3D models, and for plotting, and Rhino for defining and unwrapping complex odd-angle wyes and such.  Translation (of surfaces) was not a problem for Rhino in either direction.  ACAD got the size wrong if a Rhino- generated ACAD file didn't include at least one dimension.  While the translation worked okay, it was often faster to just re-generate the geometry in Rhino; it's really fast and intuitive.

I never managed to get a decent looking drawing out of Rhino, and I never got it to make the plotter do what I thought it was going to do.  Surely that has changed in newer versions.  Maybe I was just holding my tongue wrong.




 

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: Unwrap model

"but the shapes are irregular and complicated"
The perimeters or the surfaces?

Have you tried the updated Rip tool in '09?

RE: Unwrap model

Quote:

....the shapes are irregular and complicated.

Can you attach an example file here?

RE: Unwrap model

(OP)
CBL,
Both perimeters and surfaces.
I have not tried the Rip tool. I will look at it.
I can not attach an example yet. For legal matters right now.
Imagine a round tube that is almost round at one end and oval at the other...with two shallow flats on one side somewhere in between.
I have not used Rhino, I will look at it.

Chris
SolidWorks 09, CATIA V5
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Unwrap model

Not a problem, it is actually a service we provide so if it does what you want but you do not have enough parts to justify the cost (after the 7 free days) then that is an option.

As long as it is not seen as unethical to "advertise" your own company on here I will send a link should you require it.
 

RE: Unwrap model


ajack1 ... Site Management does not tolerate soliciting or promoting of ones company or services, but simply placing your company's website (not email) in your signature is OK.  

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