Sheet Metal Model - Curved Surface

james_bonney

I started making a geometrically abstracted fire hydrant out of surfaces. I simplified the form with the intent of creating a sheet metal model and a flat pattern. BUUT The curved surfaces do not want to participate in the sheet metal model. (The green surfaces are all independent of the larger sections of the model - thought that might be a work around, by reducing complexity?)

I have done some searching in the forum, but can't seem to find an answer that will help me make progress with this project as it is currently modeled. I know there are limitation to the sheet metal model script, but I thought it would be able to flatten a constant curve between two parallel edges.

Here is a link to the file if you are interested in taking a look: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/fe2ca22f53687f237d78762c/w/cc6d3c2197a9f1d55267118e/e/c9fcc255fdc6940c44d0a322?renderMode=0&uiState=62f46e0b80019c326a116f72

eric_pesty

You modeled the curved sections with a loft, which is not something that can be "unfolded".
You should be able to create something very similar using a "revolve" instead (and a trimming the sides from a top view so it tapers). That should be able to unfold.

eric_pesty

@james_bonney

Here's what I was talking about earlier if you still want a smooth curve in one direction, each "face" of the model is in one piece:





Example:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/48d7af2191404e92b462e545/w/8579c20516af667fc300207c/e/b18400678a37dda9fa1ce577

eric_pesty

You modeled the curved sections with a loft, which is not something that can be "unfolded".
You should be able to create something very similar using a "revolve" instead (and a trimming the sides from a top view so it tapers). That should be able to unfold.

bryan_lagrange

If you want to achieve using loft you need to use a lot of straight sections since there is not a loft feature yet.

I was able to get a dome shape and flat pattern and of course the smaller and more polygon/straight sections you use the smother it gets.

eric_pesty

@james_bonney

Here's what I was talking about earlier if you still want a smooth curve in one direction, each "face" of the model is in one piece:





Example:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/48d7af2191404e92b462e545/w/8579c20516af667fc300207c/e/b18400678a37dda9fa1ce577

james_bonney

Thanks! @eric_pesty That is a key piece of information I was unaware of and your example is great! It's exactly what I was hoping to achieve.

Thanks! @b@bryan_lagrange This is a good solution in an instance where a loft is absolutely necessary.