Surface model to Solid Model, to Sheet Metal..possible?

[av8errr]

I have a u-shaped surface model, (unigraphics .prt) which I am able to translate to a part file.
It it possible to convert it to sheet metal, so I can unfold and calculate the blank.
I try the convert to syncronous sheet metal command, but it drops the geometry, stating that some components are not solid bodies.

Any advice is welcome,

I am a new upgrade from V19 to ST3, and am well versed in solid modeling, but have no experience with surface modeling yet.


Thanks in advance,


Av8errr

 

[beachcomber]

Do the surfaces display in the sheet metal file?
If so use the THICKEN command to get solids, then 'Transform to Sheet Metal'.
You might have to use command finder for Thicken.
The transform is on the application menu.

bc.
2.4GHz Core2 Quad, 4GB RAM,
Quadro FX4600.

Where would we be without sat-nav?

 

[av8errr]

Thanks for the reply Beach...

Surfaces do not display in sheet metal.
Convert to sheet metal removes them.
The material is of uniform thickness, but has a compound curve to it, being crown shaped.
Maybe sheet metal cannot deal with this?

 

[beachcomber]

Do you see them in Pathfinder?
If so they are just not displaying.
RMB on the display area and select Show All > Surfaces.
The Compound curve could cause you problems.
Have you tried opening in a part file and using thicken?

bc.
2.4GHz Core2 Quad, 4GB RAM,
Quadro FX4600.

Where would we be without sat-nav?

 

[northwind]

Hi guys,

could you please check the solid3dtech website, it has a tool to unfold surfaces for you. It is a plugin for solidedge.

cheers
j