Problem

SOLIDWORKS Premium includes the feature “Flatten Surface”, which is used to flatten faces of a Solid or Surface body into a flattened surface. This feature is useful for creating templates for manufacturing when working with developable surfaces such as sheet metal parts with non-standard bends. Other examples would be creating decals and body panels, and other cases where an exterior surface is added to a solid body.

Note: SOLIDWORKS is able to flatten both developable and non-developable surfaces/faces. However, non-developable surfaces/faces deform when flattened.

Solution

In the example below, we will be estimating the decal shape for a Lantern top.

The above part cannot be converted to sheet metal for creating a flat pattern, and the end goal is to place a decal on each of the four sides.

1. Open Flatten Surface from Insert > Surface > Flatten

   

2. In the PropertyManager, select the faces to flatten in the blue box. 
3. Select a vertex or edge touching the faces to flatten from in the pink box. A preview of the flat surface can be checked to see the yellow preview in the graphics area. Adjust the accuracy value as needed. 

4. Click the Green Checkmark to finish the command.

   

5. A surface body is generated

   

6. To verify the result, consider using the Measure tool to compare the surface areas of the flattened and original surfaces. We can also right-click the flattened surface and click Deformation Plot to check where and how much the flattened surface is stretched or compressed.

   

7. Place the part and its surface body in a drawing view, and we can print it out as a template for cutting out the decals.

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