FLAT PATTERNS - RODS

This is how we do it...Model as a sheet metal part with the thickness being equal to the diameter of the rod. Create a config and suppress the unfold, then apply fillets to the edges of the 'rod' equal to 1/2 the diameter. Use this config for your formed drawing views and the other config for the flat pattern view. The only problem with this method is when the bends are not all co-planer with the edge of the metal. Hope this helps.

Wormsign

Sometime ago, in a far far away place....

Someone had a trick to model the rod up as a sheet metal square bar with all the various bends. Lastly they applied a fillet to the four edges (but not a 100% fillet, cut it back say .00001)

Hope that helps.

Keith

Thanks, this does work although I still have to make my own config with the fillets supressed to get the flat pattern but it does work. I hope solidworks can address this one day. Thanks guys,

Stew

Use Inventor.....;~)

Just kidding but you should be able to get the length of center line if all you need is the straight length of material.