using 2014 SD premium i need to take an edge in a CAD model on a contour and flatten it out to cut, in order to accurately bend the flat stock back to the curve
using 2014 SD premium i need to take an edge in a CAD model on a contour and flatten it out to cut, in order to accurately bend the flat stock back to the curve
i am not sure what you mean when you say convert to sheet metal
Dejuan Sidders wrote:
i am not sure what you mean when you say convert to sheet metal
Perhaps you want to project the curve or convert entities or intersection curve
Use the BaseFlange/Tab on the sheetmetal tab.
Take the converted edge geometry and apply the above command. You can then add a thickness to the curve, as well as an end condition. The profile will then be able to be flattened giving you the proper unfolded length. Be sure to set your K Factor at 0.5 , so that it properly reads the mean metal thickness (the centerline of the curve)
What specifically is it that you are trying to do? We are all guessing. Here's my guess: You have a 3D thin part and you want to fabricate it from cut flat stock which is then bent or rolled into the bent or folded shape. Am I close?
I often get this question from users who need to mark pipe where one piece of pipe stabs into another: They need to make the shape of the fish mouth hole to cut out of the stabbed pipe and they usually do this by making a flat out of cardboard and wrapping it around the pipe to mark where to cut the hole. SolidWorks sheet metal does this. If you have a bent shape of constant thickness where all the bends are straight, SolidWorks can flatten it accurately.
Have you tried converting the Part to sheet metal? If successful that would give you a flat pattern.