Flat sheet metal part as a solid?

steve_kingsley

Hi,

Is it possible to convert the flattened sheet metal pattern into a new solid part? I've use the feature to create the net of a shape for a fan duct, and I want to be able to 3D print the result (at .6mm thick) and fold it up. However I'd like to add a couple off internal tabs for alignment which would be printed in place. I'd also like to be able to thin the bend lines to assist with the fold up.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers
Steve

Jason_S

Don' worry, this is being worked on. Stay tuned

john_mcclary

Yes please!

It would be nice if we had more access to the flat pattern, other than just inside the view port on the right.

That would also solve the problem of not being able to insert a flat pattern into an EXISTING drawing

Jason_S

Don' worry, this is being worked on. Stay tuned

brucebartlett

This is a bit different use case but very reasonable. I'd like to think we can get some functionality like this out of the view window, however, I can't see it very useful for sheet metal but there maybe there is machinery out there that use 3d files in flatten version. 

A workaround for now, if you have already done it, would be to create a drawing export with a flat pattern, export as a dxf, then re-import into your part studio and extrude. 

john_mcclary

brucebartlett said:

This is a bit different use case but very reasonable. I'd like to think we can get some functionality like this out of the view window, however, I can't see it very useful for sheet metal but there maybe there is machinery out there that use 3d files in flatten version. 

A workaround for now, if you have already done it, would be to create a drawing export with a flat pattern, export as a dxf, then re-import into your part studio and extrude. 

we use the 3d geometry at my job; because 2d is vaulnurable to scale. By that i mean in mastercam they need to measure and double check the geometry is 1:1

yes, It is trivial to me too; BUT it happens..

Any opertunity to eliminate a potential for failure. I'm all for it.

steve_kingsley

That's great news to hear it's coming! Thanks for the feedback. Onshape is an incredible piece of software and the pace of new features coupled with fantastic support is truly mind blowing. For a hobby designer and tinkerer like me to have free access to it is truely appreciated. Thanks!

brucebartlett

@john_mcclary  are you going through Mastercam to get a dxf profile for laser cutter? Seem like an unwanted extra step to me however whatever it takes to guarantee a 1:1. Come to think of it the Trumpf TruTops laser package has a 3d (SpaceClaim) modeller built in so the would easily handle solids.

I am always confident of 1:1 when RMB and dxf export off the model, it's when the drawing sheet gets involved that the problems start. I am sure in the next few releases they will have a dxf export from the flat pattern. Maybe with a check box to include bend line and scale notation.   

john_mcclary

No I'm saying we prefer parasolid when we use mastercam. 2D drawings suck

Yam_S

Jason_S said:

Don' worry, this is being worked on. Stay tuned

Hello

i'm also trying to export a flat pattern as X_T. my manufacturer (for his reasons) prefer it that way. 
can it be done?
couldn't find the answer else were.
Thanks

NeilCooke

@julian_juarez - no only DWG/DXF

owen_sparks

If we can have a global agreement that a certain percentage of cars will be electric by the year xxxx then we should be able to stamp out dxf's once and for all.

O.S.

NeilCooke

owen_sparks said:

then we should be able to stamp out dxf's once and for all

Yes Please!

MBartlett21

@julian_juarez
Insert into assembly then export from there.

@steve_kingsley

Here is a feature that will fold a flat sheet metal part: https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/46659/#Comment_46659

john_mcclary

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/d075777b23239493791a6871/w/397dabbf4f532daf03a395c5/e/dba9566c2dda32a29752e76b
This is what you want @julian_juarez @steve_kingsley

MBartlett21

Here is a copy that will allow you to select from the model as well as the flat
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/ec05740ca8f236e5a24eceec