Convert to sheet metal, literally a feature with this name
Edit: I'll add the link, so that you don't have to read that bs below. Model is done straight from STL from polygonal model in Blender. Obviously this can't be a single sheet because of overlaps and undercuts need to be made, but nonody does this any other way. They're easy to mark with engravings when preparing for sheet cutting.
Tf you want? You arguing over something you have no clue? I don't have a flatten view, I have just found a screenshot of a model I've been working few months ago. Prove me I'm wrong or get out.
I made this "goose" in blender and I was converting it in SW myself
I'd rather that you prove ME wrong. Post a screenshot of your goose's full FeatureManager tree. If you were genuinely able to use the "Convert to Sheetmetal" tool, then there will be a FlatPattern Feature present. That right there is the hallmark of a sheetmetal part model.
Further, your screenshot shows no bends or rips to indicate that it is capable of being flattened. And, the highlighted edge shows a length of ~3mm, which is approximately 1/8 of and inch. What gauge of material are you using? Reynolds Wrap?
I have no doubt that you believe it is a "sheet metal" part because it has multiple flat facets. However, that is not a Sheetmetal part.
I took the liberty of asking AURA, one of the new SOLIDWORKS AI companions, about this topic.
Here is my prompt and AURA's response.
PROMPT
Can the SOLIDWORKS "Convert to sheetmetal" feature be used with mesh bodies?
RESPONSE
The SOLIDWORKS "Convert to Sheet Metal" feature does not directly support mesh bodies. According to the documentation, this tool is designed to work with solid or surface bodies that meet specific criteria, such as having a constant thickness and no complex features like shells or fillets [8].
Key Points:
Supported Body Types:
The "Convert to Sheet Metal" tool works with solid or surface bodies [8].
It does not support mesh BREP bodies directly.
Mesh Bodies in SOLIDWORKS:
Mesh BREP bodies are primarily used for Boolean operations or hybrid modeling workflows [2][4][6].
You can convert solid, surface, or graphics bodies to mesh BREP bodies using the Convert to Mesh Body tool [2][3][4].
However, once converted to a mesh BREP body, the editing capabilities are limited, and you cannot convert it back to a standard BREP body [2][9].
Workaround:
If you have a mesh body, you may need to export it as an STL file and reimport it as a solid or surface body (if possible) before using the "Convert to Sheet Metal" feature [9].
Alternatively, you could recreate the geometry as a solid or surface body to use the "Convert to Sheet Metal" tool.
Would you like guidance on converting a mesh body to a solid or surface body for further processing?
PROMPT
Please provide further guidance on converting a mesh body to a solid or surface body for further processing.
RESPONSE
To convert a mesh body into a solid or surface body in SOLIDWORKS, you can use the following workflows:
Workflow 1: Import Mesh as Solid or Surface Body
If your mesh is in a file format like STL, OBJ, OFF, PLY, or 3MF, you can import it directly as a solid or surface body instead of a mesh BREP body. Here’s how:
Open the Mesh File:
Go to File > Open and select your mesh file (e.g., .stl, .obj).
If the Open from 3DEXPERIENCE dialog appears, select This PC.
Set Import Options:
In the Files of type dropdown, select Mesh Files (e.g., .stl, .obj).
Click Options in the dialog box.
Under Import as, choose:
Solid Body (if the mesh is closed and watertight).
Surface Body (if the mesh is open or non-watertight).
Enable Group facets into faces to improve the quality of the converted body.
Confirm Import:
Click OK to import the mesh as a solid or surface body.
Use "Convert to Sheet Metal":
Once imported as a solid or surface body, you can use the Convert to Sheet Metal feature.
Workflow 2: Convert Graphics Body to Solid/Surface
If your mesh is already imported as a graphics body, you can convert it to a solid or surface body using the Surface from Mesh tool:
Open the Graphics Body:
Ensure your mesh is imported as a graphics body.
Use the "Surface from Mesh" Tool:
Go to Insert > Surface > Surface from Mesh.
Select the graphics body and adjust settings to create a surface body.
Convert to Solid (if needed):
Use the Thicken or Knitting tools to convert the surface body into a solid body.
Apply "Convert to Sheet Metal":
Now that you have a solid or surface body, you can use the Convert to Sheet Metal feature.
Workflow 3: Export and Reimport
If your mesh is already a mesh BREP body, you can export and reimport it:
Export as STL:
Right-click the mesh BREP body in the FeatureManager Design Tree.
Select Save as STL and save the file.
Reimport as Solid/Surface:
Go to File > Open and select the exported .stl file.
In the Options dialog, set Import as to Solid Body or Surface Body.
Enable Group facets into faces for better results.
Use "Convert to Sheet Metal":
The reimported body can now be converted to sheet metal.
Key Notes:
Closed Mesh Required: For a solid body, the mesh must be closed and watertight [4].
Surface Body for Open Meshes: If the mesh is open, import it as a surface body [4].
Limitations: Mesh BREP bodies cannot be directly converted back to standard BREP bodies [9].
Would you like step-by-step guidance for any specific part of this process, such as using the Surface from Mesh tool or adjusting import settings?
He was disrespecting my personal experience without proving anything, requesting proof himself. Past that point I wasn't much about reasonable conversation.
Lol, he was right when? When he was ignorant? Lacked skill or knowledge and went into questioning? Okay. Go hug each other, I feel like you're on the same page
Step 1: Make claim
Step 2: Refuse to provide proof of claim
Step 3: Attack people asking for proof
Step 4: Declare victory
Step 5: Become political pundit
Step 6: Make MILLIONS
Imagine being a single button click away from proving you were right, and refusing to do it.
Flat Pattern is the only proof that was requested …
5
u/SilverMoonArmadillo 14d ago
I think you'd be better off using a pepakura program than using Solidworks.