make it flat!!

[dj]

I have a 3d view of basically a 5' pipe with a 2" flange on one end that is going to be used to mount the 5' pipe on the side of a 10' pipe. How do I slice the 3d round parts and lay them out flat to burn out the material with a lasar prior to rolling the material round and welding the flange on the 5' pipe? I know it can be done! dj :cry:

[scj]

Please send me your 3D-model in DWG-format. I'll do the unfolding for you.
Regards
Jochen
(scj.schulz@t-online.de)

[Mr T]

C=pid !

OR send it up here and I'll put it in inventor as a sheet metal part and it will automatically flatten it for ya.

Nick

[Cadastrophic]

At last! Something I can help someone with!
There's a program called 2D Sheet which has been superceded by 3D Sheet. If you look around the web you will still be able to find the original free download.
Basically, it has a program segment that will unwrap pipe junctions including off-sets and all sorts.
I would try a search at http://www.freecadapps.com/swsubcat.php?value=ACG
or http://www.caddepot.com/dcd1/Autodesk/
If you look at the last image on this page you'll get the idea: file:///D:/D-Documents/CAD%20Stuff/2D%20%26%203D%20Sheet/2dsheet.htm

I forgot to mention, there's another free program called UnfoldPipe which should also be available from either of the above freebie sites. It's not as dynamic as 2D Sheet, but it works perfectly for plain old branches.
Of course, you could always purchase 3D Sheet! :P

[Bigbear57]

I have a similar problem, I have flats that I need to mold to a contour for the assembly model. I've tryed copying faces and extruding them but extrude doesn't work because the contour is multiplaned. Sometimes Autocad runs me buggy with these little details. LOL