Automate DXF creation.

[dlsteg]

Is it possible to automate the creation of a DXF file when you save or check-in a part file from inventor. I have already set it up to create a DWF file to a shared folder on our network but we also export to DXF files as well for use in our machine shop. As of now the only way I know of doing it, is to open the .idw file and save it as a DXF manually. If anyone knows how to set this up to automatically create one on save or check-in please let me know.

Thank you,

- Darrin

[petercharles]

Just to be clear, is that a DXF of the Inventer PART, or a DXF of an Inventor drawing??

[dima.shmidt]

Yes, it's possible 🙂

See my code below

Sub DXF()
MsgBox "DXF-filer creating", vbInformation

Dim invApp As Inventor.Application
Set invApp = ThisApplication
' invApp.SilentOperation = True

Dim idwDoc As Inventor.DrawingDocument
Set idwDoc = invApp.ActiveDocument

Dim dxfFile As String
LaserDir = "c:\temp\"
NewDir = LaserDir + idwDoc.DisplayName + "\"
MkDir (NewDir)
dxfFile = LaserDir + idwDoc.DisplayName + "\" + idwDoc.DisplayName + ".dxf"


With invApp.CommandManager
Call .PostPrivateEvent(kFileNameEvent, dxfFile)
Call .StartCommand(kFileSaveCopyAsCommand)
End With

Set idwDoc = Nothing
'invApp.SilentOperation = False
Set invApp = Nothing

End Sub

[Josh_Petitt]

why did you use the command manager? why not just call:





idwDoc.SaveAs dxfFile, True

[petercharles]

I still remain confused as why he needs to save a DXF version of his IDW for his machine shop?

[dima.shmidt]

It's needed for making cutplans, laser machine read DXF-files only

[petercharles]

Sorry, I didn't equate a machine shop with a laser which I associate with platework.



Of course, if it is a laser for platework that requires the DXF then this can be created automatically from the flat pattern by add-ins already in existance.

[Anonymous]

Take a look at my last blog posting where I discuss
translating files.  I use PDF in the example, but any file type follows the
same concepts.

href="http://modthemachine.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/translating-files-with-the-api.html">http:...

--
Brian Ekins
Autodesk Inventor
API

href="http://blogs.autodesk.com/modthemachine">http://blogs.autodesk.com/modthemachine

[d_mileska]

Hi,
Maybe you can tell any add-in for dxf creation?

[Alpha72]

Broken Link

[Fredalone]

question...

Where I put that code?

I wanna put an automatic save too...

like... hmm...

IDW to DXF

File -> SaveCopyAs -> DXF file /

" DXF Options -> AutoCad 2000 / LT 2000 DXF -> Full Scale (1:1) - Model Space "

I do this manually, but I wanna put the code to put this automaticly... Its possible?