Inventor preparing data for marking on plasma

[Anonymous]

Hi everybody,

I have a question: I need to prepare data for a plasma cutting machine. For the actual cutting process it is no problem. But we also need to mark with the plasma machine. For this I need to have the lines were the parts need to be marked as lines on a separate layer.

In Autocad I would know how to do this. I would just add a separate layer and draw some lines. But in Inventor? I can´t just draw some 2D lines on the parts, or? And then how would I get them onto a separate layer?

Could you help me? I´d be really thankful.

[mcgyvr]

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You can just create 2D lines (just a sketch with no 3d features applied).. That sketch can be shown in an idw file..

[salariua]

Include the sketch in drawing as mcgyver mentioned, then you can select the geometry and send it to a custom layer that you can create.

[Anonymous]

Hi, thanks for the answers. But if I understand it correct the information about the layer would only be in the idw file. Not saved within the ipt file. Is that correct?

That won´t help me, because I export the ipt files to the software which creates the cutting program. I don´t extra export the file into any other format...

So there is no way of defining layers within an ipt file?

[salariua]

For simple rectangular shape parts it takes me 20 secons to do a drawing, I don't see that as a problem.

So to speed it up in your case you can open a drawing place base view flat pattern, export dxf, delete view place another, and so on... les than 10 seconds.

[blair]

I understand your problem, using software such as Radan which reads the IPT file, you will need to add this during your processing within Radan or your CNC processing software.

[blair]

You don't even need to place the IPT in a IDW. Just RMB on the surface and select "Export Face to DXF". For Sheet-Metal parts, select the "Flat-Pattern in the browser window, RMB and select the Export to DXF.

[salariua]

I know you can export from the flat pattern menu but he's taking about having custom text on custom layer.