Mapping Elements

This task shows you how to create curves or points from a sketch (as designed using the Sketcher) or from existing curves or points, onto a Sheet Metal part; and to fold/unfold it, just as other Sheet Metal elements. 
This is useful when you want to:
  • Generate a logotype
  • Define an area for chemical milling
  • Create a cutout (pocket) to solve the overlapping of walls for example (the overlapping can be checked with the Check Overlapping functionality)
  • Represent specific elements in drawing for Sheetmetal laser process.
If you use Generative Sheetmetal Design, open the NEWMapping1.CATPart document.

This sample already contains a pre-defined sketch that will be mapped onto the part.

Otherwise, you would need to define a sketch by entering the Sketcher workbench , selecting the wall onto which the curve should lie, and drawing the sketch you wish.
 

  1. Make sure the sketch is selected, and click Point or curve mapping in the Bending toolbar.

    The Unfold object definition dialog box is displayed, indicating which elements have been selected for mapping.

    In this dialog box:

    The combo list presents options which lets you specify if the element to be created is needed in the Sheetmetal process or if it is only a construction element. This option is presented by default.
    • The Construction element option lets you create elements (curves or points) in an intermediary construction. These elements do not appear in the unfolded view of the drawing.
    • The Characteristic element option lets you create elements needed in the drawing for measures but not needed in the laser process. These elements appear in the drawing if required by setting them in the Tools > Standards by the administrator.
    • The Marking option lets you create elements making part of the laser process. These elements appear in the drawing if required by setting them in the Tools > Standards by the administrator.
    • The Engraving option lets you create elements making part of the laser process. These elements appear in the drawing if required by setting them in the Tools > Standards by the administrator.

     

    • The Add Mode button lets you add elements in the Object(s) list by selecting an element in the geometry or the specification tree.

    • The Remove Mode button lets you remove elements from the Object(s) list by selecting an element in the specification tree.

    The curve mapping is previewed as if the supporting walls were unfolded.

    You can manage the list of objects if several are available:

    • To remove an object, select it from the list and use the Clear Selection contextual menu.

    • To add an object, select it directly in the geometry. Order in the list does not matter.

    The Support(s) is not necessarily the support element on which the element to be mapped has been drawn. Indeed, by default, the Support(s) is the last Sheet Metal feature that has been created or modified, that is the current feature in the specification tree.

  2. Select Wall.4 as the Support(s), that is the element of the part on which the curve should be generated when folding or unfolding.

    The curve mapping is previewed as if Wall.4 was unfolded.

    You can select several support elements. To remove or replace them, click the Multiselection icon and select the appropriate support element.

  3. Click OK.

    The curve mapping is created and added in the specification tree.

    Folded view of the curve mapping:
    Unfolded view of the curve mapping:
  • You can select several sketches/curves/points to be mapped at a time.
  • Mapped curves can be created across several walls and bends.
  • When represented in the drawing, the elements resulting from Mapped Curves always appear as non-relimited.