We are having, or have had, issues with the flat pattern being accurate after using FeatureWorks with imported files. It seems that FeatureWorks flattened the imported solid, then created a sketch from that blank, then put the bends back in. The formed model is accurate but we discovered that the flat patterns are always larger. So we fix the sheet metal feature to use the bend table that has the proper K value, but then formed part is wrong because the generated sketches were created from the flat blank that FW created with an unknown K or bend allowance.
Does anyone know if it's possible to update how the original imported solid body was flattened so those generated sketches are updated? This would be a good solution to fix the flat and keep the formed solid's geometry IDs that are already used by assembly mates and drawing annotations.
We've pursued some options for the many files that have already been created, they all have significant drawbacks that make them nearly impractical.
- just edit the flat pattern to make it correct.
- fix the k values then edit the generated sketches so everything is correct
- use convert to sheet metal on the body the FeatureWorks was already ran on to get a correct flat. This process is a little messy.
Thank you.
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