How to Unfold Sheet Metal in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To unfold sheet metal in SolidWorks, use the Flatten feature found in the Sheet Metal toolbar. First, create a sheet metal part with bends, then click Flatten to generate a flat pattern that shows the unfolded shape.

Syntax

The main command to unfold sheet metal in SolidWorks is the Flatten feature. It is used after creating a sheet metal part with bends.

• Flatten: Converts the bent sheet metal part into a flat pattern.
• Insert Bends: Defines bends in the sheet metal part.
• Edge Flange: Adds flanges to edges before flattening.

solidworks-macro

Flatten()

Example

This example shows how to unfold a simple sheet metal part with bends using the Flatten feature.

vba

Sub UnfoldSheetMetal()
    Dim swApp As Object
    Dim swModel As Object
    Dim swFeat As Object

    Set swApp = Application.SldWorks
    Set swModel = swApp.ActiveDoc

    ' Ensure the part is a sheet metal part
    If swModel.GetType <> 1 Then
        MsgBox "Open a part document first."
        Exit Sub
    End If

    ' Select the Flatten feature
    Set swFeat = swModel.FeatureByName("Flatten")
    If swFeat Is Nothing Then
        ' Insert Flatten feature if not present
        swModel.InsertSheetMetalFlatten
    Else
        ' Toggle Flatten
        swFeat.Select2 False, -1
        swModel.EditFeature
    End If

    swModel.ClearSelection2 True
End Sub

Output

The sheet metal part is unfolded to show the flat pattern in the SolidWorks window.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when unfolding sheet metal in SolidWorks include:

• Trying to flatten a part that is not defined as sheet metal.
• Not defining bends properly before flattening.
• Using complex features incompatible with sheet metal flattening.
• Forgetting to use the Flatten feature, which is required to see the unfolded shape.

Always start with a sheet metal template or convert your part to sheet metal before unfolding.

vba

'' Wrong: Trying to flatten a non-sheet metal part
Sub WrongFlatten()
    Dim swModel As Object
    Set swModel = Application.SldWorks.ActiveDoc
    swModel.InsertSheetMetalFlatten ' This will fail if part is not sheet metal
End Sub

'' Right: Convert to sheet metal first
Sub CorrectFlatten()
    Dim swModel As Object
    Set swModel = Application.SldWorks.ActiveDoc
    swModel.InsertSheetMetalFeature2 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 ' Converts to sheet metal
    swModel.InsertSheetMetalFlatten ' Then flatten
End Sub

Quick Reference

Feature	Purpose	Notes
Flatten	Unfolds the sheet metal part to flat pattern	Use after bends are defined
Insert Bends	Defines bend lines in the sheet metal	Required for accurate flattening
Edge Flange	Adds flanges to edges	Can be flattened with the part
Convert to Sheet Metal	Converts solid part to sheet metal	Must be done before flattening

Key Takeaways

Use the Flatten feature to unfold sheet metal parts in SolidWorks.

Ensure your part is defined as sheet metal with proper bends before flattening.

Avoid flattening non-sheet metal parts to prevent errors.

Use Edge Flange and Insert Bends features to prepare your part for unfolding.

Check the flat pattern view to verify the unfolded shape.