In some cases, it might be easier and more intuitive to create the exterior shape as a regular model with standard extruded features than convert it over to sheet metal. Flattened parts can be saved in either DXF or DWG formats, which can be directly read into laser/plasma cutting software. Whether you’re a beginner or are intimately familiar with CAD, our friendly and expert trainers are ready to help you get the most out of SOLIDWORKS, either online or in a classroom local to you.The SOLIDWORKS Convert to Sheet Metal command is an efficient way to create Sheet Metal geometry without having to be proficient in using Sheet Metal features.Ĭonverting a regular solid or surface body to a sheet metal model that can be flattened (unfolded), can help facilitate the manufacturing of the part. Take the Next Steps.Įnhance your CAD skills with our CPD-accredited SOLIDWORKS training courses. If you find you are still having issues with your flat patterns, then get in touch with our expert Technical Support team. Failing to save the part file with the drawing when prompted will cause the newly derived configuration to be deleted from the part, as the part file has been modified but not saved.Ĭhoose ‘Save All’ or select the appropriate parts to save within the drawing environment to ensure your parts are kept up to date. If a drawing view is created showing the flat pattern configuration, a derived configuration is created in the part file. In addition to this, any design modifications should be made to the parent, rather than any derived flat pattern configurations.Īnother common reason for the flat pattern failing is that the part is not saved when the drawing saved. To ensure your flat pattern is showing correctly in a drawing, the part must be flattened in the configuration ‘DefaultSM-FLAT-PATTERN’. If this configuration is flattened, modified, or changed to the folded state, then these changes will reflect in the drawing view. This configuration holds the flat pattern information and should remain in the flattened state so that the drawing references the flattened part. When a flat pattern is inserted into a drawing, SOLIDWORKS creates a derived configuration within the part file named ‘DefaultSM-FLAT-PATTERN’. Secondly, it enables the flat pattern features to be utilised within configurations.

In a sheet metal part, flat patterns exist as features in a folder at the bottom of the Feature Manager Tree, which enables two functions.įirstly, it allows the Flatten feature to work, as flat patterns are suppressed and unsuppressed as appropriate.

Solidworks unbend sheet metal