Sheet metal flat pattern for swept blend or blend wall

[arivera]

I have a part that will look like this that I modeled as a swept blend
or blend unattached wall but I need a flat pattern which I can't get.

I understand that this part cannot be made like this on a press brake
(because of the varying angles) and that's probably the problem.

Has anyone dealt with anything like this before? Is there another way
to model this so that I can get an accurate flat?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!



Thanks,

Anne


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[BrentDrysdale]

Hi Anne,
I think the central shape (the shallow arc flattening to straight) which is
made as part of your Blend is the problem for Sheetmetal. I attached a
picture of your part so others can see it without opening it (and maybe have
better ideas than me:).

You could try a couple of ways to overcome this however be wary that a flat
pattern in ProE is not necessarily accurate as it depends on your bend data.
For this later reason we always specify the finished shape as the master
reference and that flat patterns, if provided, are for information only.

The first method is to model your inner curve to flat shape and leave of the
outer folded flanges. Then add the flanges once you have converted to
Sheetmetal. This may or may not work as ProE may not like the edge
transition however it is quick to try. If it does not work you could
"cheat" by adding an infinitesimal flat at each side of your curve so that
the flange can then be folded.

The second method is to use your original curves to make a form tool an to
then make a Sheetmetal part but using the form function to get your shape.
You will probably need to cut off excess metal after forming. This later
way will make a Sheetmetal part but will not give you a representative flat
pattern as ProE Sheetmetal does not draw in the metal as a real life form
would.

Hope this helps.


Regards, Brent Drysdale
Senior Mechanical Designer
Tait Radio Communications
New Zealand
DDI +64 3 358 1093
www.taitradio.com

[merrill.rosenow]

Anne, when you created your part did you start and only use the sheet metal mode? I have seen parts made using a solid model that are able to convert to a sheet metal model, but due to the nature of the part certain features are not accessible. ie - flat pattern.

I have made a curved part in the past. This part had a varying radius however this was only in two dimensions with the sketch extruded to make the sheet itself. I am surprised to see that in the least, Pro/E did not just consider the problem areas a deformation and continue on from there.