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Approximate a Non-Gaussian surface?

Question asked by Zavie Kucer on Mar 30, 2008
Latest reply on Mar 31, 2008 by Zavie Kucer

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I understand that Solidworks cannot create a flat pattern of a Non-Gaussian surface.

Is there a way to approximate a complex surface with a series of flat facets?

I'm looking for an automated way approximating my model so that I can get it made in sheet metal.

Errors between model and approximation are acceptable and expected.

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Devon Sowell Mar 31, 2008 11:16 AM
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Hello Zavie-

I've never used it, but have you looked at an application called BlankWorks for SolidWorks?

I just looked at a few Non-Gaussian surface images on Google. It could be difficult to make these in SolidWorks and very difficult to show them in a flattened state. Hopefully others on this forum will have more information.
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- Zavie Kucer @ Devon Sowell on Mar 31, 2008 11:47 PM
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  it seems that blankworkks assumes that I will be forming the sheet matal. I won't be using forming dies.
  
  I will cut the shape out of sheet metal and use a press brake to bend it to a shape close to the original.
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Roland Schwarz Mar 31, 2008 2:37 PM
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I've considered this, but never saw enough interest or understanding out there to make it worthwhile.

Consider what your most common options are for Gaussian surfaces: flats (of course), cylinders, cones, and any non-tapered extrusion. Combine any of these elements with faces tangent at the straight edges and you will have a Gaussian set of faces.
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- Zavie Kucer @ Roland Schwarz on Mar 31, 2008 5:51 PM
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  Well Lets say I have a model of an apple, I would want a method making it in sheet metal, without having to model each and every facet.
  
  I'd want to control facet size and type and error between model and facet.
  
  Remember the animated character Max Headroom? I think the game programmers do something similar.
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  - Roland Schwarz @ Zavie Kucer on Mar 31, 2008 8:59 PM
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    STL export will break curved surfaces ito flat facets.
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    - Zavie Kucer @ Roland Schwarz on Mar 31, 2008 11:40 PM
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      STL export is in line with what I was thinking, BUT the software keeps facet size to less than .0061".
      
      I was thiniking about facets that are .5" to 4"
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Approximate a Non-Gaussian surface?

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