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Curved Sheet Metal Flat Pattern

Question asked by Simon Alvarez on Oct 24, 2012
Latest reply on Oct 28, 2012 by Simon Alvarez

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Hey everyone,

Just looking for some advice in regards to a sheet metal component.

I have a 3D model created from a loft, or alternatively a 3D sketch, but I'm having trouble turning either into a sheet metal component

I'm trying to create a flat pattern of the component in the attached file (similar to a tent). There's no base, just the 3 curved sides and the top.

I think the curves are causing the problems but I'm really not sure.

Ideally I'd like it as a single piece, folded about the little rectangle at the top, but even if I can just get the flat pattern of the curved edges it'd be fine.

Thanks for any help, suggestions or comments.

Harold Lakoduk Oct 24, 2012 11:11 PM

Correct Answer

Simon,

Here is a v2009 part created with the Miter Flange. Is this what you're after?

See the reply in context

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Untitled-1.jpg37.2 KB

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Barry Watkins Oct 24, 2012 8:19 AM

You might be able to accomplish it this way:

1) create the 4 sides each with a separate sheet metal part - make the large radius with a bend, but you also have to have tangent flanges above and below the bend in order for sheet metal to work, 2) use an extrude cut to cut the seams and to cut off the flanges, then 3) put the sides and top together in an assembly. - I don't know if this will work, but it's worth a try.

If that doesn't work you may have to develop the flat using splines for edges and calculating points along the seam.

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Simon Alvarez @ Barry Watkins on Oct 24, 2012 8:37 AM

Hmm. I thought about that - my problem is that I'm unsure of the exact radius for each curve for it to all fit together. That's why I'm trying to make it as an assembled piece then unfolding it, as opposed to folding the flat sheet metal part to make the 3D part.

The actual part I'm trying to make is a little more complicated than the example shown, but should be able to be made the same way...or so I hope.

Thanks for the input. I'll certainly give your method a shot if I can't figure out how to flatten it from a complete folded part.

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Danny Pearson @ Simon Alvarez on Oct 24, 2012 8:59 AM

If you draw the curved edge separately, you can get a flat pattern of that by converting it to sheet metal with "Insert Bends". Still looking at doing it all as one.

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Curve.SLDPRT.zip124.2 KB

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Harold Lakoduk Oct 24, 2012 11:11 PM

Simon,

Here is a v2009 part created with the Miter Flange. Is this what you're after?

Attachments

formed cap.SLDPRT.zip26.5 KB

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Alexander Quek @ Harold Lakoduk on Oct 25, 2012 12:34 AM

Harold,

Thanks for sharing your model. Have learned something new today

Cheers,

Alexander

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Simon Alvarez @ Harold Lakoduk on Oct 28, 2012 4:14 AM

That's EXACTLY what I was after! Thank you so much Harold. Absolutely perfect.

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6 Replies

Barry Watkins Oct 24, 2012 8:19 AM
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Correct Answer
You might be able to accomplish it this way:

1) create the 4 sides each with a separate sheet metal part - make the large radius with a bend, but you also have to have tangent flanges above and below the bend in order for sheet metal to work, 2) use an extrude cut to cut the seams and to cut off the flanges, then 3) put the sides and top together in an assembly. - I don't know if this will work, but it's worth a try.

If that doesn't work you may have to develop the flat using splines for edges and calculating points along the seam.
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- Simon Alvarez @ Barry Watkins on Oct 24, 2012 8:37 AM
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  Correct Answer
  Hmm. I thought about that - my problem is that I'm unsure of the exact radius for each curve for it to all fit together. That's why I'm trying to make it as an assembled piece then unfolding it, as opposed to folding the flat sheet metal part to make the 3D part.
  
  The actual part I'm trying to make is a little more complicated than the example shown, but should be able to be made the same way...or so I hope.
  Thanks for the input. I'll certainly give your method a shot if I can't figure out how to flatten it from a complete folded part.
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  - Danny Pearson @ Simon Alvarez on Oct 24, 2012 8:59 AM
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    If you draw the curved edge separately, you can get a flat pattern of that by converting it to sheet metal with "Insert Bends". Still looking at doing it all as one.
    Attachments
    Curve.SLDPRT.zip124.2 KB
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Harold Lakoduk Oct 24, 2012 11:11 PM
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Correct Answer
Simon,
Here is a v2009 part created with the Miter Flange. Is this what you're after?
Attachments
- formed cap.SLDPRT.zip26.5 KB
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- Alexander Quek @ Harold Lakoduk on Oct 25, 2012 12:34 AM
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  Harold,
  
  Thanks for sharing your model. Have learned something new today
  
  Cheers,
  Alexander
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- Simon Alvarez @ Harold Lakoduk on Oct 28, 2012 4:14 AM
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  That's EXACTLY what I was after! Thank you so much Harold. Absolutely perfect.
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Curved Sheet Metal Flat Pattern

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