CAD tip # 8194:

Question

CAD

% platform category

Unfolding a 3D sphere to 2D shapes.

To unfold any non-unfoldable 3D objects to two-dimensional shapes (sheetmetal, paper, etc.) you can use approximations. E.g. unfolding of spherical surfaces (sphere, dome) can be approximated using petals, or "orange peels":

orange, mercator

Creating of such unfolded shape for spheres of a given radius can be done in the freeware utility CADstudio SphereUnf - see

Download

After loading, running the SphereUnf command and specifying the sphere radius you can pick the place for the unfolded shape and the number of peels for surface approximation - the minimum, 2 peels, make two circular shapes; it is recommended to use at least 8 peels.

After you cut out the peels and bond (weld) them together, you will get the approximation of the original 3D sphere.

See also a sample of such unfold - the drawing SphereUnf.dwg

The SphereUnf utility contains also the command ConeUnf for unfolding of 3D cones (incl. truncated cones).

ACAD

*CAD

6.9.2011 40033×

Comments Tell a friend

this tip shared by ARKANCE experts applies to: AutoCAD ·

See also:
Tip 14923:	How to model a diagonally stiffened sheet metal, crossbreak in Inventor?
Tip 14889:	Unfolding of general polygonal 3D meshes (mesh unfolder).
Tip 14569:	The extent of the sheetmetal unfold rounded to integer numbers.
Tip 12416:	How to export DXF outline of unfolded sheetmetal in Fusion 360, with no bending lines.
Tip 12411:	How to wrap text on a cylinder or a general 3D surface in Fusion 360?

Selected tip: Setting draworder by object types and by layers (DOBT).

Back All CAD Tips

How to change dark red highlighting of parts in Inventor 2012? « | » Missing fonts in AutoCAD 360 drawing.

Have we helped you? If you want to support the CAD Forum web service, consider buying one of our CAD applications, or our custom software development offerings, or donating via PayPal (see above). You may also add a link to your web - like this "fan" link:

Text:

FAQ

Featuring:
Increase your productivity with our set of BIM add-on functions for Autodesk Revit
Be.Smart T4R

Please use these tips at your own risk.
ARKANCE is not responsible for possible problems that may occur as a result of using any of these tips.

CADforum

Tips, tricks, utilities, help, how-tos and FAQ for AutoCAD, LT, Inventor, Revit, Map, Civil 3D, Fusion, Forma, 3ds Max and other Autodesk software (community support by ARKANCE). See About CADforum.

ARKANCE CZ - Autodesk Platinum Partner & Training Center & Consulting Services Partner

CONTACT:
webmaster.cz@arkance.world | tel. +420 910 970 111



Visitors now: 8749