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Flat pattern of contiguous surfaces

Flat pattern of contiguous surfaces

Flat pattern of contiguous surfaces

(OP)
Hello, I'm trying to create a label that will wrap around a drafted plastic part, uploaded, and realized it's not just the perimeters of the ends and straight lines connecting them.  Is there a way to obtain the flat pattern that would result from unfolding the outer faces?  Thanks!

Mechanical Engineer
Field Forensics, Inc.

Engineering isn't about perfect solutions; it's about doing the best you can with limited resources. - Randy Pausch

RE: Flat pattern of contiguous surfaces

The only way I know of to get a flat pattern is from a sheet metal part.  

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
Design Manager/Senior Designer
M9 Defense
My Blog

RE: Flat pattern of contiguous surfaces

Yes there is a way. You have to use the same methods you would use when manually drafting a developed surface. It can be very tedious and time consuming to do this especially if you need high accuracy. Any drafting textbook will explain the procedure.

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RE: Flat pattern of contiguous surfaces

Yeah - to Jeff's point - the only way to unfold a part with a 1-button click in SolidWorks is to model the part as a sheet metal part w/ base/flange tab etc.

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