Unfolding versus flattening
After flattening the part in the previous section using the Flatten feature, you may be wondering how this differs from unfolding. If we can simply click one button to flatten the model, then why would we add the extra steps that the Unfold tool needs?
The first, fairly minor reason is that the Unfold feature can be used on specific bends only, whereas the Flatten button applies to the entire model. However, the main reason for using the Unfold feature is that the Flatten feature is a special kind of feature, and it is usually the last feature in the FeatureManager Design Tree. When Flatten is selected, the feature simply unsuppresses (turns back on) the Flat-Pattern folder at the end of the model. This, in turn, flattens the model. When the model is unflattened, the Flat-Pattern folder is suppressed (turned off) again, and so any features based on the flattened part will also be suppressed. To demonstrate this, follow these next steps:
- Using...