Importing Flat Patterns

[Normsthename]

I am new to Solidworks and I have a lot of old flat pattern drawings to convert.
I have stripped all the excess detail off just leaving the 2D flat pattern with bend lines.
I can easily import the 2D flat pattern without the bend lines, convert it to a Base Flange and then add lines to use the Sketched Bend tool to fold the part up again.
But I cannot work out how to also import the bend lines and use them with the sketching Tool.
Any ideas?

Thanks

Andy

[CarbonKevin]

There should be a convert entities tool that lets you select the original bend line and use it as the sketched bend line. Check the tutorials and help, I seem to recall the process being mentioned there someplace. Good luck!

[JerryFlyGuy]

There is infact a import process for sheet metal parts. You bring in the dxf and then use the "Base Flange/Tab" function to extrude it into a sheet metal part [in flat pattern]. Next you use a function called 'sketch bend' do locate the bends and fold it up into the sheet metal part.

It all works and is 'possible' but you'll find me [9 times out of 10] just redrawing the part from scratch. I find it's alot more streamlined, and generally the process is faster than the import and add features process.

Fwiw

JFG

[Normsthename]

There is infact a import process for sheet metal parts. You bring in the dxf and then use the "Base Flange/Tab" function to extrude it into a sheet metal part [in flat pattern]. Next you use a function called 'sketch bend' do locate the bends and fold it up into the sheet metal part.

I understand how to do that, but I am struggling to copy the bend lines into another sketch???
I did it last night by accident but I can't work out how I done it!

It all works and is 'possible' but you'll find me [9 times out of 10] just redrawing the part from scratch. I find it's alot more streamlined, and generally the process is faster than the import and add features process.

I would generally agree, but the flat pattern profiles I have are quite complicated shapes and it would take a couple of hours to redraw in Solidworks, also the bend lines are not straight forward parallel folds to the edge, they are all set at funny angles and would take further time to redraw from scratch

Andy

[JerryFlyGuy]

To convert the bend line to a new sketch so that you can use it in the sketch bend function, do the following.

Start a new sketch on the face of the base flange and then 'show' the initial dxf sketch and select a bend line. Next click the 'convert enties' button to extrapolate a duplicate from the original sketch to the current sketch. You can then use that to create your bend.


In regards to old file vs new. I'll still stand by my comment that I generally do them from scratch. I've done lots of complicated sheet metal parts [infact my reseller {who was listed as the top reseller of the year for North America at SW world this year} has told me that they don't know of anyone who does more sheet metal and weldment work/designs than our shop, just as a reference ]. The main reason a person wants to import their models into SW is to bring their designs to 3d, and improve them. I think you'll have just as much fun trying to take those complicated designs into SW, get the K values to match your calculated numbers and get the same final part dim's, as just drawing new. Not only that, but when you go to try and modify the existing designs [and therebye modify the original Dxf you imported into that initial sketch] you'll have even more fun on your hands. Don't ask me how I know..

Fwiw

JFG

[Normsthename]

Thanks Jerry
I think you may be right.....
I have had a play around with the Sketched Bend tool and it seems more trouble than its worth, if the bend line slightly touches another bend radius you get rebuild errors etc
The time I will spend correcting the rebuild errors I could redraw the part and have the benefit of a true flat pattern generated in Solidworks
Thanks for your help.

Andy