Can a flat pattern be created from this model?

[samuelm]

All,

First off my experience with sheet metal modeling is minimal.

I'm trying to create a flat pattern of this model. It doesn't need to be made from one sheet since the intention is to weld the segments.

The model is made with the loft command with multiple profiles.

Can this even be done?

thanks,

sam
Solidworks 2010.

 

[kellnerp]

If you could post an IGES, STEP or parasolid (v19.1) I can take a look.

TOP
CSWP, BSSE

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[Updraft]

Sam,

SWX sheet metal can only bend across a straight line, such as is done with a press brake. With your lofted surfaces you would need a third-party sheet metal package to flatten it.

- - -Updraft

 

[kellnerp]

I have created flat patterns from parts that couldn't be made in a press brake or roll former. Depends on how much or how little stretch can be assumed.

TOP
CSWP, BSSE

http://www.engtran.com

http://www.niswug.org

http://www.linkedin.com/in/engineeringtransport

Phenom IIx6 1100T = 8GB = FX1400 = XP64SP2 = SW2009SP3
"Node news is good news."

 

[AnnaWood]

Paul,

Look like a boat hull.

Cheers,


Anna Wood
SW2011 SP5, Windows 7 x64

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[samuelm]

Thanks for all the input. Kellnerp sugested I post an igs file so I decided to post that as well. From the comments given I gather that most likely this is not a feature that solidworks can handle as a sheet metal part.

Thanks again.

sam

 

[kellnerp]

Not that it matters, but is that little "whoop de doo" in the bottom meant to be there?

There is a possibility that sheet metal could unfold parts of it. If you split it into a number of bodies you might try that first. See INSERT/FEATURE/SPLIT.

There isn't a lot of deformation in any section. My method could work. I'll warn you, it is a lot of manual labor. It amounts to doing manual methods that in the past would be done on a drafting board. If you are going to laser/plasma cut and weld the method should be satisfactory.

TOP
CSWP, BSSE

http://www.engtran.com

http://www.niswug.org

http://www.linkedin.com/in/engineeringtransport

Phenom IIx6 1100T = 8GB = FX1400 = XP64SP2 = SW2009SP3
"Node news is good news."