Creating Flat Pattern Instances
Flat pattern instances of a sheetmetal body are used to prepare the model for manufacture. Create one or more flat pattern instances at the end of the design process and then manage them using Family Tables. You can define a flat instance and an initial state instance of a sheet metal body. Other bodies in the part are removed from the flat pattern instance. Define a flat pattern instance using one of the following methods:
1. Use one of the following commands to create a flat pattern instance.
◦ Click > > 
Create Instance.
Create Instance.You can select a different body if you do not want to create the instance from the default body.
◦ Click Create Instance in the Flat Pattern Preview window.
Create Instance in the Flat Pattern Preview window.You cannot select a different body, the body in the preview window is the selected body.
◦ Right-click the body in the Model Tree and select Create Instance.
Create Instance.You cannot select a different body, the body was selected in the Model Tree.
The Flat Pattern Instance dialog box opens.
2. Select one or both of the following instance options:
◦ Flat—Creates an instance of the selected body in the flat state of the body.
◦ Initial—Creates an instance of the selected body in the initial state of the body.
3. Accept the default names for the Flat and Initial instances, or add custom text as a prefix, suffix, or at any place in the name string. You can type a new, valid, name.
 | You can use the smt_flat_instance_name_format configuration option to set the default name for flat instances. |
4. Click Create.