Make a curved surface a flat surface.

[AWW]

If you look in the attached PDF, I have an elliptical wall that also has changes in elevation. call it a compound radius if you will. What I have to do is to make a wall cap to go on top of the wall. I know, sounds fun.....I have the surface on the right of the PDF and i need to figure out how i can take that shape and have it lay flat so that i can cut this shape out on my CNC. i know I can use the FLATSHOT command, but this will not give me the true shape of the board. I hope that this makes some sense. please let me know if further explaination is needed.

elliptical wall.pdf

[JD Mather]

In modern CAD programs like Autodesk Inventor you could have the software automatically generate a flat pattern.

In AutoCAD (without add-ins) you will have to layout a "development" (typically associated with sheet metal, but also packaging and work like yours).

Look for a chapter titled Developments in you technical drawing reference book - or search for this topic on the web.

[AWW]

Hey, thanks for the response. what is the term "developments" for? i just want to follow you. I do have Pro E wildfire if that would help me at all. been awhile since i have used it though.

What would a guy need to do to find an "add-in" for AutoCAD? maybe that is what you are telling me that i need to look for.

[JD Mather]

You might not have run into the term developments if your education was in the architectural field, but any good technical drafting book should have a chapter on developments. ie Giesecke, Technical Drawing 12 ed Chapter 19 - Intersections and Developments.

Model your part as sheet metal (even though it isn't) in Pro/E and Pro will give you the flat pattern.

[AWW]

Do you have any idea what this may be about? i figured i would ask instead of wasting my time if you already know that it wont help me at all.

 

http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?53831-Help-!-How-to-flat-down-a-curved-surface