Flatten 3D object 1

[roney]

Is there a way in 2004 to have acad flatten a curved object (say a half-column with a hole in its face). Please let me know if I need to be more clear in my question.

Thanks Roney

 

[DSRT]

Use the "explode" command.

 

[roney]

Hi DRST, please explain. I explode it then what? After i explode it it is still a half column on xyz space. How do i unroll(for a lack of a better discription) It?

 

[Exxit]

roney,

use "flatten" from the ExpressTools V1-9...
Or Do You want to develop the column...???

Lothar

ADT 2004
ACAD 2002

 

[DSRT]

Use the "erase" command to delete the edges and bottom lines in the Z direction. Where is the "flatten" command located at in the express tools?

 

[roney]

Thanks Lothar...i think?
actually let me make question more clear...in your minds eye, take a (2 dimentional)piece of paper measuring 12"w x 18"h and cut a circle in it's center. Now curve the paper to create a (3 dimentional)half round column aprox. 8"wide (not 12")with what now looks like an elipse in the center...Well that's what I am starting with (the 3 dimentional)and I would like somebody to explain to me how to unroll that into a 2 dimentional that should measure the original 12"w x 18"h with circle incenter...is this any better of a diecription?

 

[DSRT]

Is this piece a sheet metal part?

 

[roney]

DRST yes could very well be. why?

 

[roney]

when i do inquire command on the lower curve of this partial column it measures roughly 60" in length. When i measure the same line from point to point it is roughly 48". Therefore when I flatten this baby it should measure from point to point roughly 60" right? Well it doesn't, it measures the same as the pre-flattened point to point does.
personally I don't think autocad 2004 is able to do this simple command. Yet it is awesome in the many other things it can do.

 

[DSRT]

I'm sorry I misunderstood your original post. You will need a 3d cad package to complete what you are wanting to do.

 

[roney]

Thanks for all of the input...I may have to "skin this cad" another way

roney

 

[jlcochran1]

This can be done by old fashioned 2D projection (the hard way). For long term you may want to look at an Inventor or SolidWorks demo if you do this frequently. I actually prefer Inventor over SolidWorks for simple sheet metal unfolding. Periodically Autodesk will have relatively inexpensive,(for MCAD), upgrades from ACAD to Inventor Series.