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Create Flat Patterns of Multibody Parts

How to Create a Flat Pattern of a Multibody Part

SOLIDWORKS Automatically creates flat pattern configurations and views for sheet metal parts containing a single solid body once the part is added to a drawing. For multibody parts, SOLIDWORKS will also automatically create the flat pattern configurations and views with only a few extra steps.

 

This example contains two sheet metal bodies as shown in the Cut List folder below.

https://www.mlc-cad.com/create-flat-patterns-of-multibody-parts/

Creating Flat Pattern Views

Create Drawing View

Create a drawing with at least one view of a multibody part containing a sheet metal body. Any view will work, even isometric.

 

Select Insert > Drawing View > Model… or click Model View on the View Layout toolbar. In the Model View PropertyManager, select the correct part file in the list and then click the Next

How to Create a Flat Pattern of a Multibody Part

Select Bodies

Click the Select Bodies… button. The part file will open in SOLIDWORKS.

How to Create a Flat Pattern of a Multibody Part

Select Body for Flat Pattern

Select the desired body and then click the green OK check mark to return to the drawing.

CREATE FLAT PATTERNS OF MULTIBODY PARTS

Select Flat-Pattern Orientation

In the Model View PropertyManager, under Orientation, a Flat-Pattern view option is now available. Once the Flat-Pattern option is selected, SOLIDWORKS automatically creates a derived configuration of the flat pattern for that specific sheet metal body. You can now place the view on the drawing.

Flat Pattern View

Repeat for Each Body

Repeat the process to create a flat pattern view for any other sheet metal bodies.

Multibody Flat Patterns

Configurations Added Automatically

In the part file, SOLIDWORKS has automatically created derived configurations for each flat pattern.

Flat Configurations

Flatten Individual Bodies

Double-clicking the configuration or clicking the ‘Flatten’ tool on the Sheet Metal toolbar will display the flat pattern for the associated body.

 

Flat Pattern views can be placed on the same sheet, different sheets, or even a separate drawing now that the associated configurations have been created in the part file for each flat pattern.

Multiple Configurations

Technical Support

If you have any questions or experience unexpected behavior, feel free to reach out to MLC CAD Systems technical support

Last Updated On
byRick Braine
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