How to sync a flat pattern sketch with a part sketch?

pmd

Is there any way to automatically use an exising sketch on the 3D part to appear on the flat pattern so it is included in the flat pattern DXF export?

I know I can sketch directly on the flat pattern but many times the sketch makes more sense on a part face as referencing other geometry and I do not want to re-sketch it using some magic offsets for bend allowances on the flat pattern.

In this made up example doc I have a simple sheet metal part I want to emboss (the depressed circle) - This can only be done after a finish sheet metal feature so not seen on the flat pattern but I need the position marked on the flat pattern.


So far the only workaround I have found is to

1. sketch on the 3D part the positions and shapes I want in flat DXF
2. use this sketch to make holes in the part
3. Create 2nd sketch on the flat and *use* the edges of the holes made by the first sketch
4. Use Sheet Metal Tab feature to fill in the unwanted holes
5. Use Finish Sheet Metal
6. Use first sketch again to do the embossing (e.g)

This seems long winded? Is there an easier way?

Hans_Ole_Leirvik

I am not sure if I understand you correct, but you could set Depth in Extrude 2 to 0.5 and then yuo are done.

pmd

@Hans_Ole_Leirvik Unfortunately you cannot extrude partially through a unfinished sheetmetal item - a 0.5 (or even 0.001) extrude depth results in no error but a hole through the entire thickness since sheetmetal has to be a single consistent thickness throughout. I believe it is implemented as a surface internally.