Expert: Bob - 3/24/2009

Question
I have a square to round transiton in a SW Isometric view. I would like to make a flat paterrn layout from this. Do you know how to do this?

Answer
Hi -- Of course, if you told me the things I ask in my profile --- your experience, field, softwarse, and what the purpose of the task is, I might have had a light bulb moment and suggested something else.

Remembering that I am not in Mechanical, but an Interior Designer, I will tell you how I solved a similar problem: making a pattern from a flat drawing for a curving piece of lighting fixtures.

Since the isometric has no perspective, measurements on it should be accurate. Thus, draw a grid of the appropriate scale (and lock the grid layer), and take a series of measurements to apply to the flat piece, at appropriate intervals. Then repeat the grid and draw lines and arcs to capture the shape you need -- trial and error is needed.

There may be third party add-ons for AutoCAD that make this easier, or AutoCAD Mechanical might do it --- not my field.

BUT -- doing what you are talking about is a task really meant for Inventor or Soldworks. In plain AutoCAD you have to fudge it, as best I know.  Some research in the Mechanical field might find a better way.

BOB