ExactFlat is software that makes it faster and less complicated to design, develop, prototype, cost and manufacture all types of automotive soft trim products. Integrated with leading 3D CAD packages, it does this by:
- Replacing manual processes with digital processes using Exactflat’s proprietary algorithms.
- Consolidating separate and distinct workflows into one environment on one platform.
- Parametrically linking related tasks so that design changes in one area are automatically reflected in related areas.
See ExactFlat in Action in these Video Demos
ExactFlat Pattern Piece Creation, Material Assignment, and 3D Pattern Flattening
ExactFlat powerfully extends the capabilities of SolidWorks with features that speed the 3D to 2D pattern creation workflow. Firstly, ExactFlat provides advanced piece creation tools to accelerate the process of creating the desired pattern pieces from 3D solid or surface bodies. Secondly, with ExactFlat, designers and engineers can very quickly assign a variety of engineering, cost, marker, and fabric properties to the pattern pieces. This significantly speeds downstream processes. Lastly, algorithms are provided that minimize the solve time of creating initial flat pattern pieces.
This video show how all of this works within the SolidWorks CAD user environment and maintains parametric relationships for fast implementation of design changes.
ExactFlat 3D to 2D Flattening and Optimization Using Material Properties
ExactFlat 3D to 2D flattening environment enables designers and engineers a fast, accurate, and simple process for createing 2D flat patterns from complex 3D geometry. Preliminary flat patterns are created which show a visual color-coded strain map in both 3D and 2D. Meshing tools create high quality meshes that enhance accuracy, minimize solve time and improve perimeter quality. For complex models, wrinkles can be easily removed and using one of the several different flattening algorithms available. Algorithms take into account the engineering characteristics of the proposed materials, such as Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus. ExactFlat 3D to 2D flattening works with SolidWorks supported file formats.
This video shows how simple and flexible 3D to 2D flattening can be.
For more videos on the ExactFlat 3D to 2D flattener, please see here.
ExactFlat Pattern Editing: Adding Pattern Design Features
ExactFlat simplifies and streamlines pattern editing and fully links pattern details to related activities such as marker making. Flat pattern and orange-peel layouts can be automatically generated for accurate visualization of sewing operations. Seams on adjacent pattern pieces are automatically connected showing edge start and stop directions. Seam types, notches, and notch mirroring are also automated with database-driven feature definition and assignment. Notice in this video how fast and easy it is to change notches. Parametric grain controls can easily be added and when changed, automatically update markers.
This video gives an overview of how automated pattern editing tools can offer simplified processes and accelerated cycle times.
ExactFlat Marker Making & Nesting: Optimize Markers and Export Cut Files
ExactFlat helps designers and engineers get more done, in less time, with lower effort. We have taken advanced industry leading compaction algorithms and embedded them within the SolidWorks CAD environment. We are proud to offer the first marker making and nesting features that are fully parametrically linked to pattern editing tools, and 3D or 2D CAD models. The benefits are simple: make a change in your model or in your patterns and have your markers and nests update automatically – no more trafficking files between different software programs, no more errors from implementing changes, and no more lost time.
This video gives an overview of how ExactFlat’s high yield nesting can be powerful and yet easy to use.
