DeanF Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 Is there any way to unfold a 3D surface. I have a set of stairs that runs around a 90? corner and each step and riser is folded from 5mm matal. to find the true shape I need to unfold them, can it be done. Thanks for any help Dean Quote Link to comment
Travis Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 Please see: http://techboard.nemetschek.net/cgi/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=12;t=004903 Good luck, Quote Link to comment
quigley Posted May 13, 2005 Share Posted May 13, 2005 Yes it can be done. In VectorWorks its a manual process though. Check out this site: http://www.laminadesign.com/index.html For plate 5mm thick you will have to consider bend radii and location of the neutral (bend) axis. True sheet metal systems build this data into the unfolding process. If you are getting the stairs cut by laser or plasma do NOT assume the bend neutral axis is at the 2.5mm level in the material - you will get the wrong shape. Best bet is to tell the stair cutter what you want and let them do the unfolding. Apps like Radan (virtually the sheet metal industry standard system) can unfold imported data files easily. Export as a IGES. Quote Link to comment
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