Using Flat Pattern views
The basic drawing that we have created so far is a good overview of the model, but it doesn't really contain enough information to fully make these parts because it doesn't have details of how the parts will actually be folded from a flat sheet. To give this information, we can insert a flattened view of the Sheet Metal model using a Flat Pattern.
To insert a Flat Pattern, proceed as follows:
- First, we will add an extra sheet to the drawing to ensure we have plenty of space for the Flat Pattern. Click the Add Sheet button, which is just to the right of the Sheet1 tab at the lower left of the screen. You can switch between sheets by simply left-clicking on the appropriate sheet tab.
- To add a Flat Pattern to the new sheet, expand the View Palette on the right-hand edge of the screen. If no views of your model are visible, try clicking the Refresh button at the top of the View Palette.
- Find the view labeled Flat Pattern and drag...