Making a Loft a Flat Pattern

[jimdogg]

Is there any way of making a Lofted Feture a Flat Pattern.
Jimdogg

 

[SBaugh]

There is a Loft Sheet metal Icon. Try using that instead. It's not on your default SM Icon Toolbar though. See the help for clarification.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[TheTick]

I pasted this from one of my posts on a previous thread. I stand by this assessment.

Even if SW could flatten a lofted bend, I would doubt the pattern's validity. I've seen more than a few Pro/E users fall victim to improperly developed flats of non-gaussian (free-form) forms.

Unfolding non-gaussian geometry is a task fit for FEA-based specialty software. Many stamping toolmakers have such software.

Due to illness, the part of The Tick will be played by... The Tick.

http://www.EsoxRepublic.com

 

[jimdogg]

Thanks for that.

 

[DesignSmith]

In the Feature Palette are several samples of Lofted Bends sheet metal shapes. Such singularly curved shapes can be easily flattened in SolidWorks and offer a deviation analysis under the RMB menu for the flat pattern feature.

You can change the dimensions of one of the sample configurations to get the shape you need, or edit the original profile sketches to suit. The small gap in the profile sketch is required for the unfolding process and can be minimized but not eliminated.

More advanced lofted sheet metal shapes can be unfolded with the SolidWorks partner product AutoPOL. For die formed sheet parts, BlankWorks is available.

DesignSmith

http://www.DesignSmith-Services.com

 

[jimdogg]

Will have to have a look at that.
Got the loft I working. Was unhappy when I was unable to use guide curves though.
Cheers Jim