Help ! How to flat down a curved surface ?

[airsoldier2001]

Hi there ! I have finished 3d modeling a canoe in Autocad8 , she`s made of 8 curved surfaces ,and now I`m trying to “flat” them down to a single plan surface ,to get the exact dimensions so I can draw them on the plywood.It should be a simple task but I am new to Autocad8 and I could really use some help here . Thank you !

[ReMark]

I'd suggest using the FLATSHOT command but I'm not 100% positive it will give you the results you are looking for since all your surfaces are curved. But what the heck, give it a try.

[airsoldier2001]

I had a try but the outcome is just a 2d projection , I need something like to unfold the curved surface in to a 2d plan ,without altering his dimensions . Thank you for your advice . Regards !

[ReMark]

A pattern or a development I believe it is called. I think you'd need Inventor or a third-party add-on to AutoCAD to achieve that result. Although, vaguely, in the back of my mind I seem to recall that there might be a third option but I cannot put my finger on it at the moment.

[ReMark]

Take a look at this. Not sure if it is exactly what you are looking for though.

http://download.cnet.com/Unfold-Surf...-10863700.html

[airsoldier2001]

Wow ! That sounds quite complicated . I thought I just need a simple command , didn`t thought getting dimensions will be the hardest part ... I can see my canoe but I can`t get`it build !

[ReMark]

"Magic" buttons can be found 3 aisles over in the "Tricks and Tips" department right next to the Fairy dust.

Really? One simple command to unfold curved surfaces. Stop nipping the grain alcohol. Time for a reality check.

Know anyone running Inventor?

Are you a student?

[airsoldier2001]

Thank you so much for your help ! I will look in to the program you linked me !It looks like exactly what I need ! I don`t have anyone around here running Inventor and I`m not a student . I`m on a small greek island where is hard to find someone with knowledge about this kinds of software . Thank U for your time and support ! Best regards !

[ReMark]

We have a few forum members who use in Inventor. Maybe than can offer some advice.

You're welcomed. Good luck with your canoe.

[bbankston]

airsoldier2001,

We are about to complete a glass spiral staircase for a job at work here and I think this answer may help you. Your arc lengths are the key - that will be your flattened horizontal dimension.