Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

I agree with mrttray you are going the long way around to do something that is quick and painless..

Make an IDW save copy as dxf..

There you have it ..

It is just that simple.....

[#2]

Thanks, I think at this point I would try to convert it into sheet metal or use a sheet metal template. I considered sktching a new 2d picture but do not know how to take copy all the outlines of the text onto a sketch as lines/polylines- any suggestsions for that option?

[#3]

I don't understand where it is that you are finding difficulty here. You don't need to do any of that.

1) Create new idw file.

2) Create view of part showing contours that need to be cut.

3) Save copy as, select file type: AutoCAD dwg.

4) Open new dwg, delete unneccesary data, save.

5) Go to your CNC software and have at it.

[#4]

If you cut this profile you would loose the center of the A and O, you would need to add tabs to secure the center of the characters from falling out, much like the using the font "stencil".

[#5]

No he is not cutting he is milling so he don't need tags

[#6]

OK, missed that part.

[#7 · Accepted solution]

Hi! Here is an alternative workflow you might want to consider. Instead of using Export Face As, you might want to project the face to a sketch and then use Export Sketch As to export the sketch as DXF. Here is what you need to do.

1. Create a sketch on the front face of flat pattern.

2. Project -> Project Cut Edges -> Finish Sketch. All the profiles will be projected to the sketch.

3. Right-click on the sketch -> Export Sketch As.

Please let me know if it works for you.

Thanks!

[#8]

Thank you for all your input. Mike, I am relatively new to Inventor- sorry if I find this hard! But for your step 2- can you explain on what you mean by this? I would like to learn.

Also, thank you for your tip Johnson, I will also try that.

[#9]

I just meant place a Base View of the part, making sure that the lines you want programed into your CAM software are visibile in the view's orientation. If this still isn't clear than I would search Inventor's tuturials for a creating drawings tutorial.

I didn't mean to sound like an ****, but this is a very basic process.

Have you had any CAD training? This should have been covered by even the most basic of taining or classes.

[#10]

Well, I am a highschool student and being that- I don'thave a lot of resources at my disposal to participate in CAD classes ($$$). I have tried to learn on my own with a some success thanks to everyone here and text online. So I do apologize again for my questions- which may seem ridiculously elementary to you Inventor gurus.