creating a flat pattern from a shell which has a lofted surface.

[kevman]

ive been pulling my hair trying to figure this one out. I'm self learning SW by trying to create stuff aligned to my interests-ie: "jeep stuff" & came across a differential cover that looked doable in SM to unfold.

i've got the exterior extruded and shelled & now im stuck. ive read since that curves and SM is a real PITA.

any help guys? (or girl!)

Kev

 

[Updraft]

Since you are new to SWX I would like to suggest you go through ALL the tutorials in SWX. They are very well done and teach a lot about how to do things and what can be done. When you learn of what cannot be done you'll also have a better understanding of why it is that way.

Lofting is not a beginner's skill. Shelling is nice and easy, as you have seen. However, do not even bother trying to flatten/unfold or otherwise think of a lofted part as a sheet metal part in basic SWX. Mathematically, flattening lofted sheet metal is very advanced and requires add-on software packages that have their roots in FEA.

Since you are modeling things that interest you, such as the Jeep stuff, I suggest you be content with achieving a suitable lofted surface. If you want to turn it into sheet metal you cannot do that with the SWX version you apparently have. Besides, you probably do not have access to sheet metal forming beyond a press brake anyway. Brake-bent parts SWX can do and it does them with ease.

- - -Updraft

 

[Eltron]

SW sheet metal doesn't play well in areas that the material has to be deformed.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog