Folded - Unfolded sheetmetal features

I think what you want to do is, use the "Unfold" command to flatten the rolled piece. Then add your holes, cutouts, etc. When your done with that, use the "Fold" command to form the piece back up. If you try to do it your way, using the flattened pattern, anything added will be suppressed when you form it back up. That's why you need to use the "Unfold" & "Fold" commands.

Richard

WOW! When I first read this, this morning, I had no idea that I would actually need to use it this afternoon.

Thanks, Richard, Muggs

Hi Nigel -

It looks like you have gotten some good tips already, but it is noteworthy to mention that "flat features" can be implemented generally in two ways, based on the sheet metal modeling method that one chose.

When using the BaseFlange method, one must add the UnFold-Cut(or Extrude)-Fold combination to obtain a flat feature.

When using the InsertBends method, one may use the above method if needed, but may also put the Cut(or Extrude) feature between the Flatten-Bends & Process-Bends features. These act as a "natural" unfold-fold container.

Given the choice, I dramatically prefer the latter modeling method (InsertBends) as it give the best versatility on the methods one might use to model a viable part. Both work nicely though.

You might benefit from seeing these models:

Regards,

SMA

WOW! What a welth of information. Great website!

Thanks Nigel, Muggs

Yes, for all you teachers out there. I missed the "a".

Muggs