How to create a Spiral / Helical Sheet Metal Model that can be flattened

Article by Wayne Chen, CSWP updated September 30, 2010

Article

If you want to create a spiral / helical sheet metal model, using the sweep feature + insert bends will not do the job.

You will need to use two different size helix / spiral paths:

Spiral/Helical Path

Spiral/Helical Path

Then, convert these curves to 3D sketch entities:

Converted to 3D curves

Converted to 3D curves

Now, use lofted bend to create sheet metal:

Lofted Bend

Lofted Bend

Helical Sheet Metal Model

Helical Sheet Metal Model

Flattened state:

Flattened Model

Flattened Model

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Wayne Chen, CSWP