simple unfolding of complex surface?

Hi..

I'm looking for a reasonably simple method or a script to unfold the surface of
a 3d solid (consisting of irregular polygons) into 2d while keeping the
"foldlines". This is for a single project only, so i don't mind a high mouse
mileage if i can save the serious money charged by SPI and others for their
sheet metal software.

I am using the german version of AutoCAD 2000, and I have only little experience
with it, but I'm determined to get this thing done.

Thanks for any advice.

Bernd

 

Hi Bernd
try out my www.black-cad.de
or contact me directly (in German)
regards
Jochen

 

Hint:

Assuming I understand your question, there is a single ACAD command that
will do this for you.

You can find it on your own, or contact me for the answer for a reasonable
consulting fee. Remember to remove NO_SPAMs from my email address.

 

A lot depends on you needs, if you need to allow for bend radius,
forget using anything under $500. But, there are several programs
which will unfold a faceted mesh, although controlling that process
can be quite a challenge. If you have an ACIS solid, you may have a
lot of work to do to turn one of the surfaces into a faceted mesh.

Jochen, who frequents this newsgroup is one producer of these
programs. I've tested it a while back and it didn't meet my needs, but
is the only low-cost unfolding program I know that works inside
AutoCAD.

Some others;

A 3d Modeling package with simple unfold abilities Amapi. I have it
(an older version was free with a magazine purchase) but I've never
been able to get a good feel for the program. Very different from
AutoCAD. http://www.eovia.com/home.jsp

Pepakura -A Japanese paper-folding site with a low cost program that
is pretty full-featured Note that it doesn't have modeling
capabilities, but good control of the unfolding process.
http://www.e-cardmodel.com/pepakura-en/

Joe

 

One more program... it's been around a while and is pretty much
limited to modifying existing designs. But, it seems to have a pretty
large selection of shapes for those who create ductwork and similar
shapes.

More importantly, they have some low-cost versions under $100.

Rev CAD
http://www.revcad.com/Sheet5/index.html

 

Yes, he also told me about it. Pretty much what I need, so I think I'll
get that.

Thanks for the links though

Bernd