One-Step Unforming

[DieMan44]

Does anyone use this? I have tried several times and with simple sheet metal parts to use this tool to develop a blank, however it always produces an incorrect result. If you look at my example, you will see a part that has 4 flanged sides. 3 up (2 have an angle to them) and the forth down. But if you look at the blank drawn showing the 3 flanged sides, it's easy to see how incorrect it is.

 

[DieMan44]

He's the jpeg.

 

[hudson888]

I think you'll find that it only works for straight forward sheet metal design. Something that involves flanges with straight bends and notched corners so that there are separate individual flanges. There are four corners in your design where the bend radius does not stop short of the end on the flanges. If you notch the end of these then re-run the one step flattening then it should work.

I'm afraid it may just be a question of knowing the limits of what the software can do. Some people don't have this license and I believe there was some disquiet among colleagues on mine when at NX-4 extra functionality was introduced that meant you needed an advanced sheet metal license to do what was formerly available at a lower tariff. You might want to check this out further for yourself.

Hope this helps

Regards

Hudson