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Flat-pattern development software integrates into SolidWorks

Forming Technologies Inc. has released BlankWorks v5.0, which provides SolidWorks® 2013 users with a fully integrated, add-in application for developing optimal flat patterns from complex, 3-D designs.

The software, most commonly used for flattening complex, 3-D sheet metal components, also has been used for flattening of other SolidWorks designs such as boat hulls, helicopter parts, electronics, and consumer product components.

With the software, users can develop accurate flanges and blank shapes for stampings in less than a minute, the company reports. The new feature line mapping capability allows users to map lines and edges from part to flat pattern or curved surface.

In addition to flat-pattern development and flange unfolding, the software provides a contour plot indicating the thickening and thinning resulting from the forming process. It accounts for material stretch, deformation, and bending and can flatten any SolidWorks geometry, including imported data.