Hello everybody,
This is not directly sheet metal related but I think its how I have to get there.
So I need to make this eliptical dome and make it 16 flat gores that can then be cut out with a plotter on vinyl that can be taped together to make a dome.
My problem is, I can't figure out how to flatten it! I've looked at many forums and videos but I just can't get it.
How do I get this flat?? I will need to do this to multipul sizes of domes so please explain
Thanks!
Nolie
Awesome! Thank you! So now I have to repeat the steps that you did on other files. As I see it, 1. Make lofted bend 2. Figure out how to do a freeformed bend 3. Do a cut extrude to get the pie shape 4. Sketch the bounds and end for the flatten? 5. Do a flatten pattern.
Did I get it all? Did you happen to turn on your screen capture camera when you did this? Lol
Thanks a bunch
Nolie
The freeform bend is automatically created by the software when you do the lofted bend. It shows up there so that it knows what to unbend when you flatten the part. The cut-extrude and circular pattern are the only things you need to create. The flat pattern is also an automatic part of the sheet metal functionality. You just need to activate it.
Try this. For some reason, just using a base-flange wouldn't flatten, but a lofted bend will.
If you were clever, you could do this from a single sheet. I would have to work on that a bit, though.