Trimech-Main-Site-Group-Navigation Trimech-Main-Site-Group-Navigation Trimech-Main-Site-Group-Navigation Solid-Solutions-Group-Navigation Javelin-Group-Navigation Solid-Print-Group-Navigation 3DPRINTUK-Group-Navigation Trimech-Enterprise-Solutions-Group-Navigation Trimech-Enterprise-Solutions-Group-Navigation Trimech-Advanced-Manufacturing-Group-Navigation Trimech-Staffing-Solutions-Group-Navigation
With over 35 years of experience, the TriMech Group offers a comprehensive range of design, engineering, staffing and manufacturing solutions backed by experience and expertise that is unrivalled in the industry. The TriMech Group's solutions are delivered by the divisions and brands shown here, use the links above to visit the group's websites and learn more.
x
Search

Why is my Flat Pattern not showing in SOLIDWORKS Drawings?

Monday January 9, 2023 at 10:00am

There are two main reasons why a flat pattern won’t show on a SOLIDWORKS drawing.

It may be linked to how the drawing is saved, or it can be related to how sheet metal parts are displayed by drawing views.

To help you avoid these issues, it’s important to understand flat patterns work.

A FLAT CONFIGURATION

In a sheet metal part, flat patterns exist as features in a folder at the bottom of the Feature Manager Tree, which enables two functions.

Firstly, it allows the Flatten feature to work, as flat patterns are suppressed and unsuppressed as appropriate. Secondly, it enables the flat pattern features to be utilised within configurations.

When a flat pattern is inserted into a drawing, SOLIDWORKS creates a derived configuration within the part file named ‘DefaultSM-FLAT-PATTERN’.

This configuration holds the flat pattern information and should remain in the flattened state so that the drawing references the flattened part.

Here is where the issue can arise. If this configuration is flattened, modified, or changed to the folded state, then these changes will reflect in the drawing view.

To ensure your flat pattern is showing correctly in a drawing, the part must be flattened in the configuration ‘DefaultSM-FLAT-PATTERN’. In addition to this, any design modifications should be made to the parent, rather than any derived flat pattern configurations.

SAVE ALL COMPONENTS

Another common reason for the flat pattern failing is that the part is not saved when the drawing saved.

If a drawing view is created showing the flat pattern configuration, a derived configuration is created in the part file. Failing to save the part file with the drawing when prompted will cause the newly derived configuration to be deleted from the part, as the part file has been modified but not saved.

Choose ‘Save All’ or select the appropriate parts to save within the drawing environment to ensure your parts are kept up to date.

If you find you are still having issues with your flat patterns, then get in touch with our expert Technical Support team.

Take the Next Steps...

Enhance your CAD skills with our CPD-accredited SOLIDWORKS training courses.

Whether you’re a beginner or are intimately familiar with CAD, our friendly and expert trainers are ready to help you get the most out of SOLIDWORKS, either online or in a classroom local to you.

Related Blog Posts

ANTOBOT: Empowering Sustainable Agriculture with A
Antobot’s colony of robot ants are on a mission to reshape the future of agriculture through the innovative combination of AI & practical technology.
CFD Simulation: Validating SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulat
How reliable is SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation for Thermal Analysis? The results will surprise you!
What is a Registry Reset? How to Reset SOLIDWORKS
A registry reset will affect your menus, toolbars, custom shortcuts, and file locations, and set them back to the default SOLIDWORKS settings.

 Solid Solutions | Trimech Group

MENU
Top