If I want to make objects out of metal or cardboard sheets in IntelliCAD 6.2 PE+, I need something that "unfold" objects onto a sheet so that it can be cut out. Any suggestions?

There are a few options for doing this ranging from semi automatic to automatic available in other software. Non of those options are available in Intellicad. The old method of flat pattern development as used by board draftsman and sheet metal workers is about it.

Hi Jeff,

I have used formZ http://www.formz.com/index.html to do this with CAD models, although its a bit pricey ($1600 or so) if you only need it for the unfolding.

Two less expensive options that I am aware of, but have not used are:
http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/ Pepakura Designer $40 http://www.algonet.se/~ludesign/index.html TouchCAD 3D $800

You need to start with a developable model in any of these apps, which means there cannot be any significant stretching of the sheet material as it folds up to create the model. So if you are doing a sphere you would first decide how small you want your facets to be, and then mesh the model accordingly. It also helps to be able to edit the facets or break the model in certain places, if the unfolded pattern presents a problem.

Chris

Chris, I downloaded demo version of Pepakura Designer. I created a 3D solid box in IntelliCAD, converted the box to 3D mesh, saved the box to DXF file, loaded the DXF file into Pepakura Designer, and the program unfolded the box into 2D object, and it worked. The demo version didn't let me save the 2D object to a file so I had to copy the 2D object to clipboard and pasted it into the Wishblade program to be "cut" on the machine (I used pen instead of blade).

In IntelliCAD, I do not know how much control you have over converting a spline or other parametric surface to a mesh. It may be better to construct your objects as facetted from the start. You'll have to try it both ways I think to find the best/fastest method.

Chris

Jeff,

Are you using a pen plotter/vinyl cutter?

I have a Wishblade Personal Media Cutter for cutting paper and cardstock. For more info: http://www.xyron.com/enUS/Categories/Xy ... utter.html

This is interesting, I have not heard of it before.

Does the Wishblade software use bitmap files also, based on your comment about using the clipboard?

Is the knife driven to turn for corners/curves or does it "float"?

Do you know how accurate it is over the 39" max. page length?

Thanks

The Wishblade software requires lines, arcs, circles, rectangles to be drawn as "cutting" lines. You can print out the bitmap part on any printer and cut on the machine. I think that the blade floats in its holder. I don't know exactly know how accurate it is over the 39" max. page length.