Flat pattern in IV 2008

[Konstruktor]

Hello sheet metal specialists! Here is one very simple part that I'm designing:

http://img409.imageshack.us/my.php?image=loftnm6.jpg

and a "very simple" problem I'm having is - how to make flat pattern from it? I have experimented unsuccessfully different ways. Is it still the same jam in IV 2008 like it has been before (you have to construct parts like this without bends)!?

 

[PeterCharles]

I might suggest NOT using Inventor for this shape, 'though it is probably not the answer you're looking for!

 

[francoI]

Konstruktor,

as I know generally cylindrical and conical surfaces can be unfolded only.

 

[jlcochran1]

You may want to search the Inventor forum on Autodesk for this topic. Also you might want to look at a a trial version of AutoPOL or SPI- sheetmetal add-in for Inventor.

 

[BOPman]

Just a stupid question, but have you checked to make sure your thicknesses match between the model and the sheet metal style? If they don't match it won't unfold.

Its just hard to imagine IV not being able to unfold that part. It doesn't look that hard.

 

[PeterCharles]

" Its just hard to imagine IV not being able to unfold that part. It doesn't look that hard. "

Autodesk really have a long way to go with the unfolding abilities of Inventor. Square-to-rounds, offset-cones etc is really beyond it, and I think it'll be a few releases yet to get to where it needs to be.

 

[Konstruktor]

Yes, thickness is OK and it is unbelivable but true that IV can not unfold things like that! But SPI and Autopol are really good, for sure. Autodesk could buy one of them and integrate to IV, like it has done with many other fuctionalitys.

 

[francoI]

This may help you to design unfoldable part:

http://management.cadalyst.com/cadman/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=417388