I've made a 3d shape which I'd like to convert to 2d surfaces, print on paper and then cut/fold out of sheet metal. I've been trying for hours and hours to convert it to 2d but I don't know how. I'd also like to make some modifications to add internal ribbing - again I don't know how.
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Screwdriver
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Upload the file and I'll see what I can do.
Misterg
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Yes, but I’m not very well versed with it. I’ve used it to develop a flat pattern before, but it was created as a sheet metal part in the first place. It is possible to convert 3D geometry to sheet metal, but it’s a whole new learning curve.
I've attached a couple of dxf's. I think you'd be better off starting from scratch with the 2d sketch. The dims are a bit off on the 3d model, so let me know and i'll provide the correct dims.
It's difficult to create a 2d drawing as per the 3d model as the dimensions are in fractions of a millimeter, and theres also a variable radius involved. It took a lot of effort for me to get as far as I have. It was only possible to make the radius in 3d mode. Starting from 2d would be a mind xxxx
It's difficult to create a 2d drawing as per the 3d model as the dimensions are in fractions of a millimeter, and theres also a variable radius involved. It took a lot of effort for me to get as far as I have. It was only possible to make the radius in 3d mode. Starting from 2d would be a mind xxxx
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mike os
just a little insane.....
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It’s really not that hard… mostly automated
Misterg
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Oh, I agree - if starting from a sheet metal part, but trying to extract the faces of a 3D part and convert them to sheet metal is beyond me!
Screwdriver
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Files are broken for me. Can you export a .stl?
I can, but give me a little while so I can finalise the design. I'm (very) slowly getting the hang of using f360, so I've just redesigned it and now I'm going to try 3d printing it to see if it's the right shape.
Yeah... Havent got a clue how to use it though. Every attempt i've made has failed. If it was so simple I wouldn't be asking.
Agroshield
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Please have a look here:
It first shows how to get a surface from an individual face. To flatten that surface requires going outside F360 into something called Meshmixer (looks to be free). Within MM, it appears to be two clicks to flatten and make into an SVG.
I do not think sheet metal would work out of the box. First, as some of the faces are curved and second because you have modelled it as a solid not a sheet with thickness. Every face is connected to every other face with an edge.
Sheet metal would work (i.e. the computer would have an easier time of it) if you, who are better than any computer ever made, drew the faces faceted (like a square to round duct transition) and decided beforehand which faces were folds and which faces did not share a common edge (i.e they are unconnected or subsequently welded).
It first shows how to get a surface from an individual face. To flatten that surface requires going outside F360 into something called Meshmixer (looks to be free). Within MM, it appears to be two clicks to flatten and make into an SVG.
I do not think sheet metal would work out of the box. First, as some of the faces are curved and second because you have modelled it as a solid not a sheet with thickness. Every face is connected to every other face with an edge.
Sheet metal would work (i.e. the computer would have an easier time of it) if you, who are better than any computer ever made, drew the faces faceted (like a square to round duct transition) and decided beforehand which faces were folds and which faces did not share a common edge (i.e they are unconnected or subsequently welded).
Amazing. Thank you! None of the youtube vids I could find were relevant to me.
Agroshield
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I may have given you a bum steer. The Meshmixer site says it is not a current project and is soon to be retired. I am now watching this one, which has some promise:
I've been trying this, but this guy appears to have each piece as a different 'body'. I have the whole model as one body. I don't know how to split it up and turn it into 3mm sheet metal parts. I can't just extrude each piece else it all gets messed up. I've tried the 'shell' feature but it's not giving me the desired result. I want the top and bottom pieces to sandwich the two side pieces of the arch, and in order to keep the dims correct, the side pieces need 3mm chopped from the top and bottom.
It won't let me attach a STL file so i've provided a download link in case anyone wants to give it a go.
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So i've kept at it and i'd say it's improving, or rather I am.
New STL attached. There's a weird line on the lower component that I can't seem to get rid of no matter what I try. No idea how or why it did that.
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New STL attached. There's a weird line on the lower component that I can't seem to get rid of no matter what I try. No idea how or why it did that.
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Screwdriver
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Is this what you're after?
Screwdriver
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I'll take that as a "no". 
