Cross-sections (development)

[Rynz]

Okay so I have this roof canopy design from work. I've managed to reproduce it in 3D using AutoCAD 2007 (attached). I need to know what the cross section or the intersection ends of the pipes are. I'm planning to print the view paste it on an actual pipe and have it cut (sort of like sheet metal development). These pipes won't go through each other but be welded instead. I also have downloaded LITIO software to aid me in getting the development views but I am not sure if the angles I enter are correct due to the complexity of the design.
Any hints or ideas on the best way to tackle this will be appreciated

[Dadgad]

Welcome to the forum.

The 3D solids in your model appear to be AEC objects, right?
Too bad, because if they were regular 3D solids you could use the INTERFERE command
and INTERFERENCE CHECKING to trim everything up.
I just figured out that you did this with the cylinder tool from the MODELING toolbar.
If you redo them, in place over the ones that are already done, using the PRESSPULL command
you could pretty easily recreate this with regular 3D SOLID objects which would give you the earlier options mentioned.
I don't know anything about LITIO, but this could be done in Autocad too.

[Rynz]

Cheers for the warm welcome!

I tried using the INTERFERE command and it works fine. I did a bit more research and apparently Autocad cannot unfold a cylinder or pipe into a flat surface which can be used for sheet metal development. I have Autodesk Inventor Fusion and was able to open my Autocad files using it. Now I'm wondering if its possible to open up the pipes into a flat sheet? Is it possible? I tried looking for a command or icon that would help me out but so far I've had no luck

[Dadgad]

Cheers for the warm welcome!

I tried using the INTERFERE command and it works fine. I did a bit more research and apparently Autocad cannot unfold a cylinder or pipe into a flat surface which can be used for sheet metal development. I have Autodesk Inventor Fusion and was able to open my Autocad files using it. Now I'm wondering if its possible to open up the pipes into a flat sheet? Is it possible? I tried looking for a command or icon that would help me out but so far I've had no luck

I haven't used INVENTOR FUSION much, it might have that capability, but I know that INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL does.
If JD or one of the other Inventorati see this thread, I'm sure they will jump in and let you know.
You could do your fabrication drawings of these parts using SOLPROF, as just one of the numerous options.....
SOLDRAW
SOLVIEW
FLATSHOT
None of these will provide you with wrap around style patterns.
They all offer advantages and disadvantages, use the one you feel most comfortable with.
How will these tubes be cut?
I will try to take a look at INVENTOR FUSION and see if I see anything for you.