Use Sheet Metal pattern as independent sketch???

steve_maietta

I'm using the sheet metal tools to create cut and folding patterns for simple cardboard boxes.  I cannot add extra tabs or flaps (used to interlock the box when folded) to the sheetmetal model since in the workspace they would interfere.  Even when I trim back the walls so there would be no interference OS wont let me extrude these sketches.

Is there a way to use a flat pattern as a sketch?  With this I could be set free from OS sheetmetal parameters/logic.  This would be great.

thanks,
~Steve

lana

@steve_maietta
Would something like this work for you https://cad.onshape.com/documents/2727485c7989cc0463937043/w/67183582187c75eb5cfce382/e/6344c8269e3a494f7d648115  ?
The sheet metal part is created in SM Part studio, then its Flat pattern is inserted into assembly and used as context in Part Studio 1

matthew_stacy

@steve_maietta is the desired result a lapped corner?  It's far from elegant, but see if this approach works for you:

• https://cad.onshape.com/documents/9f8f4be311695b896b48f352/w/e926d54919d45bb51da6d5ed/e/a4f4abfea58e50a5903c4781

I was able to start from a flat sheet and add flanges from there.  The trick seems to be that sides that will ultimately meet in a lapped joint cannot be done in the same Flange feature.

• Flange 1 for the side that will be on the outside of the lap joint
  
• Flange 2 for the side that will be on the inside of the lap joint (must be a separate feature to land inside)
• Tab to extend the side of Flange 2 (I believe this is just material thickness)
• Flange 3 to form the inside of the lap joint
• Optionally - trim Flange 1 so that it doesn't extend beyond tangency

I admit that this is a lot of work to model something that an ordinary sheet of cardboard can accomplish without breaking a sweat, but it's the best I can come up with for now.  I look forward to seeing what others suggest.  @a@alnis_smidchens???

steve_maietta

lana said:

@steve_maietta
Would something like this work for you https://cad.onshape.com/documents/2727485c7989cc0463937043/w/67183582187c75eb5cfce382/e/6344c8269e3a494f7d648115  ?
The sheet metal part is created in SM Part studio, then its Flat pattern is inserted into assembly and used as context in Part Studio 1

Lana, that seems like a pretty good workaround..  Ill give that a shot..


Matt, that works, but Im not starting from a flat piece, rather a solid model.  It seems like Lana's workflow should be good, but Ill paly around with the flange feature if its not working out.

thanks all!!
~steve

(ONSHAPE!!!   Flat Pattern --> Sketch,  Lets have it!

steve_maietta

@lana -That works great!  Not quite as simple as sketch from flat pattern would be, but still easy and gets me where I need to be!

thanks
~Steve