SHEET METAL EXPERTS LOOK HERE!! UNFOLDING V4 IN V5 1

[Dean0017]

Greeting,

Situation: I have a curved, CATIA V4, sheet metal type part (.063” thk). I’m using V5 sheet metal design and others.

I’m having no problems bringing the V4 into V5. copy….past…no prob.

I would like to know how to do 2 things:

1. Create a flat pattern for our router machines. (have CATIA recognize this model as a wall and unfold it)

2. Wrap this part over the die that I’ve already created.

I realize these are probably not easy things to explain, but could I have some guidance on were to look to get these things done?

Thanks much to those of you who reply!!

Dean


Dean
InSource Consulting Inc.

 

[jackk]

Dean, could you post a picture of your sheetmetal part?

The Developed Shapes product (DL1) has some unfold capabilities that will give you the flat pattern of your curved part.

I'm not sure I understand the wrap question. Do you mean position both parts into an assembly?

 

[Dean0017]

here's a link

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/4011/part2aj9.jpg

Dean
InSource Consulting Inc.

 

[Dean0017]

The top part is curved in two directions and the bottom is a hidroform block that I'm developing.

Dean
InSource Consulting Inc.

 

[catiajim]

Developed Shapes can flatten this, but you will need R17 to do it - lower levels will only flatten single contour surfaces.

 

[jackk]

The Developed Shapes product (R17) can unfold (flatten) as well as fold. Fold would be used to transfer (wrap?) subsequent 2d features from the flat to the 3D surface on the die.

I have a friend who just started using the Developed Shapes product for flat patterns as well as for the forming blocks (with springback) and checking blocks.

 

[solid7]

Developed Shapes is NOT for sheetmetal.

It is for parts that do not require K-factor calculations. It is just for developments. You have absolutely no control over anything with developed shapes, other than the orientation of the layout. So it is not the right tool for the job that Dean is asking about.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Catia Design|Catia Design News|Catia V5 blog

 

[jackk]

I have to disagree with you Solid7. Developed Shape IS for sheetmetal development.

You're right about no control. But if used with the surface at the neutral plane it does a pretty good approximation of the flat shape. (I say that based on the few parts I've seen)

So what do you suggest is the right tool for Dean?

 

[Aleksan]

Sidetrack,
As solid7 said, DL1 is NOT for sheetmetal.
As jack said, it is good APPROXIMATION. For simpler shapes in particular. It is fair approximation for more complex shapes, especially if you do not care abut wrapping factors. Useful tool, but it is for approximation only; can’t relay on it for sheetmetal.

 

[solid7]

Well, to answer jackk's question about what might be the right tool for Dean's job - the answer won't be what he wants to hear, most likely.

The obvious answer would be that the part needs to be re-created as a sheetmetal part. However, I understand that there are now some limited feature recognition products available in Catia. I cannot say what those are, but I have read a bit about them, and Googling will surely yield the answer. Here again, if they are anything like the ones that I have used in SpaceClaim and SolidEdge, you are still better off re-creating the part, for anything but the SIMPLEST of parts.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Unfortunately, knowing what isn't the righ tool, doesn't always mean that I know which one is.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Catia Design|Catia Design News|Catia V5 blog

 

[Dean0017]

Thanks guys for all the helpfull input. with a background in machining sometimes it's hard to find the right route when getting into something new. Access to forums like this one is a benifit that eases lots of the preasure. I value your input on the good and proper ways of using this amazing tool called CATIA.

thanks again you've been a valuable resource!



Dean
InSource Consulting Inc.

 

[AeroTom27]

When you have bends that follow a curve, you need to model it as a sheet metal part using the aerospace sheet metal work bench. You can not use the generative sheet metal work bench.

First have to provide the sheet metal parameters.

Next you have to define a web. You need to define a support which just could be a plane.

Next, create a sketch to define the web.

After the web is defined, you have to define the support surface for the surfacic flange.

Next define edges and project it on the surfacic flange support surface.

Then hit the unfold button.