Problem

When working on a sheet metal part, it may become necessary to edit the part in a flattened state to add holes, cuts, or other features that would not work to add when the part is in a bent state. This article goes over two different workflows for this. 

Solution 1: Using the Flatten Feature

If a Sheet Metal Part is flattened to show the Flat Pattern, it is possible to add features in the flattened state. Those features will not be shown when the part is bent (not in the flattened state).

1. Open SOLIDWORKS and open a Sheet Metal Part

2. Click "Flatten" from the Sheet Metal Toolbar, or right-click the flat pattern feature within the flat pattern folder and "Unsuppress" it to flatten the part

   

3. Add features such as holes or cuts to the flat pattern desired

   

These features will remain shown in the part when in the flattened state, which is useful for showing these features on the Flat Pattern in the Drawing if it is not possible to add them in the bent state and still have the part be flattenable. 

Solution 2: Using the Fold/Unfold Features

It is also possible to unfold a sheet metal part, add features such as holes & cuts, and then fold it back up so that these features can be shown in a bent and flattened state. 

1. Open SOLIDWORKS and open a Sheet Metal Part
2. Make sure the Flat Pattern feature is suppressed so the part is in a bent state
3. Select the "Unfold" feature from the Sheet Metal Toolbar, or click Insert > Sheet Metal > Unfold
4. Select a "Fixed Face" and select the "Bends to unfold"
   

5. Now that the part is flattened, add features such as holes or cuts as desired

   

6. Now fold the part back up with the "Fold" feature from the Sheet Metal Toolbar, or click Insert > Sheet Metal > Fold

7. Select a "Fixed Face" and select the "Bends to fold"

   

8. Check if the part is still able to flatten for drawing purposes. Click "Flatten" from the Sheet Metal Toolbar, or right-click the flat pattern feature within the flat pattern folder and "Unsuppress" it to flatten the part.

   

If the part is not able to flatten anymore, some or all of the new features added may not be suitable to flatten from a bent state. These kinds of features can also cause errors when attempting to fold the part back up. In these cases, it may be more suitable to add these features after flattening the part with the Flat Pattern feature instead of unfolding it.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.