Here’s another approach -
spiral fin.f3d (206.4 KB)
I messed around with this for about an hour, but its late and I’m tired. Sorry, couldn’t quite get it.
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Thanks for this @holla2040 . This is probably the best method I’ve seen for constructing the fin form yet. I took for granted that the sweep tool had a rotation function. great find. I did it using a sketch profile instead of a contour flange but results were the same but with one step less.
It is but I appreciate all “kicks at this can” this is very similar to the meshmixer methodology to complete this task.
I think technically this is a compound curve that’s why we’re having such trouble unfolding it. Fusion simply doesn’t have the logic to deal with it.
We’re starting to hit a bit of a wall ,I was considering direct messaging some of the gurus of Fusion to see what they can come up with.
let’s give it a week and then I’ll write up a message for these guys.
we have a bit of The myth of Tantalus on our hands.
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With the sweep rotation function gleaned from @holla2040 and added to my original version this is the “simplest” version I can come up with to get a almost accurate flat pattern.
TIN TWIST SIMPLIST VERSION YET.f3d (477.1 KB)
twist test.step (221.3 KB) 1/3 scale
I am going to 3D print a scale model of the tube and the flat pattern to test it in the physical world.
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That was my thought: trial and error but with some thin metal. You are entering uncharted territory.
If all else fails, you could send the thickened surface to a 3D metal printer. I am sure Craig has one on order.
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yea, I thought about this earlier in the day. I made the ends of the two rails tangent to vertical and they shouldn’t be. Removing those constraints might get it to flatten out more.
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Guys
This is way beyond my ability but I have been looking into it. I found a short on you tube of a guy using Fusion to build an auger. https://youtube.com/shorts/lS2HTprBRLc?si=ykgdBuT4pqGg0MlI
It seems like the principle will work but I am as basic as you can get when it comes to Fusion.
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Feed Screw
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Last one. I just don’t know if you can make the auger not go all the way around or stretch it far enough for what @TinWhisperer is looking for.
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I liked that path and guide surface option.
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Couple things…All help is welcome but the big issue really hasn’t been making the fin…the challenge is making the flat pattern from the fin or at least getting fusion to do it.
Tin I think the test print is a good idea BTW.
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Here are the results of the 3D printed third scale model of our Twist.
It seems to work well I made a slot in the cylinder so the Finn could be installed I also colored the piece of the fin inside the cylinder red so if there’s any discrepancies you could see it on the surface of the cylinder.
I’ll post this to maker’s world if anyone wants to give it a try. For some reason I can’t log into makers world currently. so here’s the step file for now.
twist model.step (605.9 KB)
We are still on the hunt for a simplified method to create the sheet metal pattern of the fin.
Good luck and I look forward to seeing some new methodologies which results in a unbroken sheet metal pattern.
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@TinWhisperer I will stop after this just because this is way out of my league. I do love to learn though. If you can flatten a cone why cant you flatten a fin? Again this will be my last uneducated one before I start to annoy you guys. You have helped so many people I would love to help you.
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Because a cone is a simple curve and the fin is a compound curve.
Post as much as you want I want everyone of every skill level to be involved. I watch all the videos that are posted here and dissect any f3d files that are posted too.
It’s out of my league too and ultimately I think it’s out of fusion League.
I really appreciate that.
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I will never leave! I will just step back from this one and keep reading the posts. If Tin is having trouble and Fusion doesn’t have an answer this is no simple task. I guess the Fusion teem needs to sharpen there pencils and get to work.
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Now that’s the spirit!
I forgot to say and as you can see “the shirts only come in extra small size”
Now back to the object at hand, I see it only being solved by having very small triangular flanges that are averaging the position of the fin. I started to make something like that but I couldn’t get it to work quite right. This is where an AI assist with repeatable triangles would be helpful. Of course that would result with a saw tooth inner and outer edge of the flat panel but that could be compensated/averaged.
As was already brought up…but smaller triangles
Edit: I am wrong…not triangles, they will be slivers of rhomboid shapes because the inner curve will always be smaller.
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Jim, I think they call that “Smeed-i-um” and it is great, but since it seems to be one size that ain’t me, save my order 
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BTW Tin, the print looks great and makes me smile. Is the fin TPU?
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Thank you
It is all PETG HF
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