Do dimensions or text affect 3D printing or machining a 3D model?

[Anonymous]

Hello, I would like to know if dimensions or text affect a 3D model when it's being put into a CNC machine or 3D printer?

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

in most cases you export the geometry in a special format to do the 3D-print, that exporter only exports 3D-solids (or maybe surfaces in some rare situations) and so all text-like objects are filtered out.

- alfred -

[Anonymous]

Ok, what if I'm providing a 2D DWG or DXF? Do the text or dimensions recognized by the machine?  

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> Ok, what if I'm providing a 2D DWG or DXF?

You won't need a 3D-printer then 😉

(sorry, I don't understand now what's going on with a 2D drawing for a 3D-printer)

- alfred -

[jggerth · Accepted solution]

cnc or 3d printers do not read dimensions.  AI is not included with the machines. 

[Anonymous]

Well certain machines cut 2D patterns is what I meant.

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> Well certain machines cut 2D patterns is what I meant.

Yep, that's another story now, has nothing to do with the title about "3D printing" 😉

What is sent to cutting printers depends in most cases how the software of that printer work, some only print closed contours like closed polylines, others plot/cut every vector you send, either transfering the DXF or doing something like print/plot.

Anyway, do all on different layers so you can freeze the layers you don't want to get content of the file to send to the printing system, then start command _WBLOCK and create with the "important" objects a new file that is then used.

- alfred -