Plotting lines on a cylinder

[WDW4]

I need to plot specific lines on the face of a cylinder, then "peel" the face of that cylinder off to be a flat plane, retaining the plotted lines. I have a few ideas of how to do this, but neither the expertise to do it nor to know if it is the best way.

 

The lines need to be thus: Imagine a vertical cylinder. A horizontal plane passes through the exact center of the cylinder, and extends far past the faces. When the cylinder is vertical, the intersection of the plane to the face of the curved face of the cylinder forms an exact circle around the middle of the cylinder. This line is "0 degrees", because it is the line formed around the cylinder when it is rotated "sideways" (top moving right and down, bottom moving left and up) 0 degrees.

 

Now, I need lines at 5, 10, 15...and so on to...90 degrees. The 90 degree line would form a line straight up one side of the cylinder, across the top, down the other side, and across the bottom.

 

Once I have these lines drawn, I need to be able to be able to "peel" the curved face of the cylinder until it is a flat rectangle with the drawn lines on it.

 

I have only used google sketchup, mainly for woodworking and carpentry.

 

1. What free or paid programs could I use to do this?

2. What functions could I use to do it?

3. Bonus if I could either use the same program to modify the resultant design with some text and graphics, or use the resultant file type in some graphic design software.

Thank you!

[ReMark]

It sounds like you want the end result to be a development or a pattern as some might call it. Is that correct?

[WDW4]

I suppose different fields might call it different things, perhaps telling the purpose will be helpful. I will send the end 2D design to a printer, who will print it on a product for me. Hope this is the info you were looking for. Thanks!

[ReMark]

That was not what I was looking for. Would you recognize the development (or pattern) of a cone or a pyramid for example?

[WDW4]

That was not what I was looking for. Do you know what a development is?

 

I'm afraid not ReMark, but I'm eager to learn if it will further this project.

[ReMark]

A development of a cone.

Source: http://etc.usf.edu/clipart

 

Development of three types of cylinders.

http://draftingmanuals.tpub.com/14040/css/14040_135.htm

[WDW4]

Is this method designed for use in AutoCAD? I can use this method with pen/paper but I'm looking for an easier way and a more precise finished product.

[ReMark]

Patience young grasshopper.

 

One can draw developments using AutoCAD but it does not have a development command or feature.

 

However, if you have CorelDraw then you could draw something similar using a VBA macro developed for the program called CADinTools v.4.x. It has a surface development feature.

 

Are you a student by any chance?

[WDW4]

I am a quasi-student, and that program might be installed on my school computers. Thanks for the tip. I might just hand it off with a $20 bill to someone with more expertise to save time.

 

Any other programs/ techniques, ReMark or anyone?

[ReMark]

Maybe AutoDesk Inventor would have the capability but I don't know it for a fact.

[scj]

FYI, have a look at

http://www.ant-ares.de

Good luck

Jochen

[JD Mather]

About 5 minutes of work in Autodesk Inventor (I missed a couple of splits). You didn't indicate where you want the Rip in the cylinder or the diameter and height of the cylinder. (because Inventor is parametric - these parameters are easily entered after the fact and the part will update)

 

 

Students can download Inventor for free from http://www.autodesk.com/edcommunity

[WDW4]

Wow, thanks JD Mather! That looks very close to what I need. I think I'll download Inventor and give it a shot.

[WDW4]

Thanks scj - that looks like a very cool tool.

[JD Mather]

I always consider my first attempt just a trial to understand the problem. (this attempt as at 10° increments)

If I were to do it again I would do 1/4 of the part and then a couple of mirrors to reduce the amount of work.

 

If you get Inventor - post back (with your initial attempt) for step-by-step instructions.

[WDW4]

Will do JD, I think I'll be able to start working on it in the next few evenings. Thanks again.

[JD Mather]

Don't pound your head on the wall too many times before asking questions - this one is trivially simple (when you know how).

[WDW4]

First installation attempt did not work - got all the data on my computer (2010 Toshiba Satellite 64bit) but the install failed. I'm going to try again tonight.

[JD Mather]

Generally if you don't do it right the first time - you create a bit of extra work for yourself.

Search Google for Autodesk Clean Uninstall instructions.

Make sure anti-virus and UAC are turned off during the install process.

[WDW4]

I cannot get Inventor installed, however my other laptop already has Autodesk AutoCAD 2012. I'll start playing around in there to get familiar with it. Can I use AutoCAD to create the same model?