In it’s simplest form we can use the Sheetmetal extension to ‘flatten’ a solid model to generate a net which can profile in 2D via a DXF file.
Appropriate models
If your 3D model has surfaces with curvature in only one direction – eg. a cylinder, cone or cube then it can be flattened with no distortion, if it has curvature in two direction eg. a sphere then surface area (not necessarily material) with have to be added or subtracted when generating a net. In reality Creo maintains a constant wall thickness so with a change in surface area you will get a change in volume/mass.
In this discussion we will only discuss developable geometry. A developable surface is a ruled surface but a ruled surface is not always a developable surface.
Conversion to Sheetmetal part
Model tab > Operation > Convert to Sheetmetal
To return to solid model mode:
Model tab > Operation > Switch to part solid
Rip
If your model does not have natural breaks which would allow for development then you need to use the Rip tools to define where the model can break.
Use Flat Pattern or Unbend to create the net.