Transition Sheet Metal

[Mr T]

Transitons between a cyclinder and cone etc are
tricky to develop out flat.

I have been trying to do this accurately with the
sheet metal tools in IV7. I need to create more
paper tech drawings for my classes, even though
they model in 3D they have to do tech drawings in an exam.

I don't know the best method. Maybe modelling in solids
then convert to sheet metal ?

Any ideas ? I don't mind a small seam.

Nick

Here is a typical transition, drawn using a loft then shelled.

http://www.cadimage.net/postimages/trans.gif

[Lazer]

Hi Mr T.
I have not done many models in the Sheet Metal feature yet, but it looks like you have taken onboard quite a task,
I dont think you will be able to do the model anywhere else other than in sheet metal and I think you will have to model it as you would mark it out on say the shop floor, for inorder for it to work out the flat pack drawings.
I have done models and used flatpack and its worked fine , but on stuff like square to round I would need more play at that one, Ill ask my tutor at college friday and see what he says.

[ReMark]

Good day Mr T:

Might I suggest that you visit CAD Digest and conduct a search on the word Inventor. At the first screen that comes up click on Inventor Tutorials. When you get to the next screen, use your page down key to look for the following two tutorials:

Project a Flat Pattern

and:

Flattening a Conical Sheet Metal Part

The link:

http://www.caddigest.com/

I hope this may be of some use to you. What's a day without a challenge! Good luck.

[Mr T]

Ta. I was at an Autodesk seminar today and the chap showed me how to do it but you have to use a facet not a true radius.

He showed me an ADDIN but it costs 3000 pounds. But it does it accurately.

Nick