Mapping Elements

You can map curves or points onto a Sheet Metal 3D shape, and fold or unfold it.

This is especially useful when you want to:

  • Define an area for chemical milling.
  • Create a circular cutout on the unfolded 3D shape at a given center point defined in the folded view.
  • Generate a logotype.
  • Represent specific elements in drawing for Sheet Metal laser process.

Before you begin: Create a web and a surfacic flange. Create a point on the surfacic flange.
  1. Select the point and then click Point or Curve Mapping in the Model section of the action bar.
    Elements selected for the mapping are listed in the Unfold object definition dialog box.
    Important: The support is not necessarily the support element on which the element to be mapped has been drawn. Indeed, by default, the support is the last Sheet Metal feature that has been created or modified, if it is the current feature in the tree. If not, you need to explicitly define an appropriate support.
  2. From the Type list, select one of the following options.

    The type lets you specify if the element to be created is needed in the Sheet Metal process or if it is only a construction element.

    OptionDescription
    Construction Element Creates elements in an intermediary construction. These elements do not appear in the unfolded view of the drawing.
    Characteristic Element Creates elements needed in the drawing for measures. These elements appear in the drawing if required in Tools > Standards by the administrator.
    Marking and Engraving Creates elements making part of the laser process. These elements appear in the drawing if required in Me > Preferences > Standards by the administrator.

    The curve mapping is previewed as if the surfacic flange onto which it has been drawn was unfolded.

  3. Click OK to create the mapping.
  4. From the standard area of the action bar, click Fold/Unfold .


  5. From the Refine section of the action bar, click Circular Cutout .
  6. Select a point as the center of the hole and the surfacic flange as the support of the hole.


  7. Click OK.
  8. From the standard area of the action bar, click Fold/Unfold again.


    Important:
    • You can select several sketches, curves, and points to be mapped at a time.
    • When represented in the drawing, the elements resulting from the mapping curve operation always appear as non-relimited.