AeroHydro, Inc.

Relational 3D Modeling for Marine & Industrial Design   

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Flattener

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SurfaceWorks Flattener

SurfaceWorks Flattener is an optional add-in program to SurfaceWorks. This compound-curved surface flattening utility is based on AeroHydro’s unique technology that was developed in 1988-89 and patented (U.S. and Canada) in 1990. The unique feature of the AeroHydro flattening technology is that it takes explicit account of the variable distribution of in-plane strain required to produce the specified 3D curvatures. (more...)

This solution enables accurate layout and NC cutting of flat blanks which, through application of a suitable compounding process, evolve into curved pieces precisely fitting their prescribed positions on the product.

The basic process is to design the 3D surfaces in SurfaceWorks, then use the SurfaceWorks Flattener to calculate the flat shapes. SurfaceWorks Flattener output is in the form of DXF files that include (for each pattern):

  • the flattened pattern outline

  • specified point and curve markings on the pattern

  • a contour map of strain distribution

  • the triangular mesh utilized for the solution

A downloadable pdf document on our support site.

Price: see Pricelist