How do you make a part flat in Solidworks?

How do I flatten a part in Solidworks?

To flatten a body, do one:

1. In the FeatureManager design tree, select the part and click Flatten. (Sheet Metal toolbar).
2. In the cut list, right-click the body and click Flatten. .
3. In either the FeatureManager design tree or the cut list, right-click the Flat-Pattern. feature for the part and click Unsuppress. .

Why is surface flatten greyed out?

The reason for the “Flatten” icon being greyed out was because the sheet metal part had a “Flat Pattern” annotation view and this annotation view was active. By selecting another annotation view, the “Flatten” icon then becomes available again.

How can you tell if a surface is flat in Solidworks?

Click Insert > Features > Move/Copy. You can use the Measure tool to check your flattened surface for accuracy. Measure the surface area of the folded and flattened features. If there is a large discrepancy between the surface areas, the flattened feature might not be accurate.

How do you change a flat pattern in Solidworks?

You can update existing flat patterns created prior to SOLIDWORKS 2011 to use the improved method. In the FeatureManager design tree, right-click Flat-Pattern1 and click Edit Feature. In the Flat-Pattern PropertyManager, under Parameters, select Recreate flat-pattern.

What is flat pattern cutting?

Flat pattern cutting is the method of creating a 2-dimensional pattern on a flat surface. Typically using paper to create the pattern, the pattern cutter will usually use blocks – a standard pattern based on specific measurements – to draft or draw out the pattern.

How do you fold parts in Solidworks?

To add a fold feature:

1. In a sheet metal part, click Fold. on the Sheet Metal toolbar, or click Insert > Sheet Metal > Fold.
2. In the graphics area, select a face that does not move as a result of the feature for Fixed face. . …
3. Select one or more bends as the Bends to fold. …
4. Click .

How do you calculate flat pattern for sheet metal?

Flat Length = Length A + Length B – Bend Deduction



To sum up, Sheet metal flat pattern can be calculated using the k factor. And k factor value can be determined by calculating the position of the neutral axis or bend allowance.