Work Around for Translate/Copy and Modify Sheet Metal Part (Before "Finish Sheet Metal" Command)

don_b

Is there a work around to copy translate and modify a sheet metal part so that a new accurate flat pattern is generated with the new part?

I assume this is in the works for sheet metal but perhaps there is at present a work around  

bryan_lagrange

You currently can convert an imported model and modify it with the bend radius, thickness, K factor, etc that you require to get a flat pattern to meet your bending requirements.

bryan_lagrange

If you post the link to the document the forum can take a look at what you are trying to convert.

don_b

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/f26f1bba85945934c18bddd0/w/9c614a8195f8880e649c0bf1/e/cbe5bc24003ab8559220a089

bryan_lagrange

Are you looking to change the parameters of the sheet metal part to get the desired flat pattern or do you just need to move the part and make a copy of it? If you just need to move the part and make a copy use the finish sheet metal command before the transform.

bryan_lagrange

Here is a link of the part moved and then I transformed the new part into a sheet metal part that you can adjust the parameters to create the flat pattern you require.

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/8e9ef553e65521809d190590/w/aabcc7cbec64142c87ac2391/e/364d5b10c268d2bf9bae6f6e

don_b

Thank you......I have many similar but different sheet metal parts ....just a need to shorten them as I copy from one to the next....not simple parts though ....with tabs and flanges added .....it would be nice if the sheet metal routine was fully functional with out the need for the "finish sheet metal" command. 
I liked your work around. 

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/cab6ce044c81060c5173b79d/w/da9460f34228fb58a4d54c00/e/740c4c89b534f413972dab55

eric_pesty

You could also consider creating the "base shape" for your sheet metal parts first and pattern/transform this as required, and only at the end generate sheet metal from that geometry (using "convert" or "thicken"). Basically making a "negative" if you will of your sheet metal parts and generating them at the end.

Something along these lines (really rough "proof of concept" example):

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/63ede05284ce595591bb58b9/w/c90c3f825e72564dfccfaf0c/e/b26f2f81cf0c20cdf57dbbb5

don_b

very innovative ....thank you 

nick_papageorge073

I just saw this come up on my youtube feed and thoguht of your airplane. It might be useful to you. Video is 2 min long and made by OS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOYH1gE1_Cs

don_b

Thank you for your help.....I will play with this concept to try to end up with an accurate flat pattern for the sheet metal parts.....

don_b

see my latest post ....essentially one has to rebuild the part to edit it which I think is ripe for a fix.....its a pretty basic feature to be able to copy and edit a part.
https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/20690/after-you-copy-a-part-edit-becomes-poor#latest