Get Flat Pattern of a rolled tube

[someonedflr]

I need to get the flat pattern of a rolled tube. I have the modeled tube, it's very simple, but I couldn't get to recreate it using sheet metal since I can't find a "Contour Roll" alike command to recreate the rolled tube in the center part. So I was exploring some other options, like unwrap curve, or fabric flat pattern, but I have had no success yet. Also I'm trying to create it using Autodesk Inventor, I'm able to get the contour roll flat pattern, but when I try to create the additional flanges I get some errors, and as I'm not an experienced Inventor user, I had no success either with that option hehe...

Do you guys know how can I get the flat pattern of the attached rolled tube?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[JohnRBaker]

A part like that will not 'unfold' without some deformation and therefore your only course of action to use the so-called 'mesh-based' unwrapping routines.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Digital Factory
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[someonedflr]

Thanks for the reply John!. quick question, the fabric flat pattern command in NX would be considered as one of those "mesh-based" unwrapping routines?, or you mean like using other kind of software?

 

[JohnRBaker]

Yes.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Digital Factory
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.