Flat Patterns with configurations

[heypoopy]

I am trying to find a fast way to create a flat pattern for prints when using a design table. I am having to open each configuration and choose 'make new drawing from part' place the flat pattern on the sheet and close it without saving. This is just to get the little plus box next to each configuration in the design tree. Is there something I can do to make this more simple? Do I have to add something the the design table in excel?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

To answer your question, no! That is the way that SW does it.
Normally the flat patterns are only created when the drawing is created. While in the model, the Flatten icon is used to view the flat state.

Why are you wanting to create the flat patterns in the model.

 

[heypoopy]

I have to create drawings and dxf's for each configuration. 1" increments. I don't want flat patterns in the model. I want the flat pattern of the model on a SLDDRW. So I really have to go through all the configurations and create 'a new drawing' and close it?

What I have been doing is, once the flat patterns are available. I am dimensioning one and then just changing which model is shown and doing a save as.

 

[drawoh]

heypoopy,

I systematically use design tables when I add flat configurations to my sheet metal parts. I do this because I want the BOM inforemation to be exactly the same.

There are several way to add the flat view to my existing drawing. I can click on an existing view, copy, paste, then use Properties to change the configuration.

I do not show flat views unless there is information that cannot be shown on the bent part. Usually, I am showing a stress relief hole at the corner of two bends.

On a fabrication drawing, you should generally not be showing the flat view. Your inspector will examine the bent part. The flat layout is the fabricator's problem. Our fabricators ask us for our SolidWorks file, then they flatten the parts with their k[ ]factors.

What problem is it you are trying to solve?

JHG