save idw to dwg all views full scale w/annotations

[cadman777]

Is there a way to save an idw sheet to FULL SCALE dwg drg, so that all the views are full scale and also maintain all dimensions and annotations in one uniform scale?

I need to do this for the flat patterns that go to the steel mill to get laser cut, and they want all the pertinent info accompanying the view/part-profile.

Thanks ...

[Cadmanto]

Chris,

You might be able to create Predefined Views in a drawing template that is full scale.  Then every view created off of them is what you are looking for.

If this solved your issue please mark this posting "Accept as Solution".

Or if you like something that was said and it was helpful, Kudos are appreciated. Thanks!!!! 

     

[cadman777]

Scott,

Great idea, if only I could make the idw file "auto-generate" a list of parts from disk!

What I'm asking for doesn't seem to make pre-defined views of value.

Basically, after I make a model and detail all the subassemblies for fabrication, I need to create a "flat pattern" sheet for the steel mill. So, on the last sheet/s, I pile as many parts profiles (= only one view) as possible. Last project I had around 50 part profiles on one d-sized sheet.

However, some of those parts are tiny compared to others (like a tank shell flat pattern is huge compared to a small angle flg gusset. So, I want IV to export all views out to dwg or dxf so that all the views are of the same scale, but not lose any annotations/dimensions.

To "cure" this need, thus far I've copied the idw file and delete all sheets with no "flat pattern" views on them. Then I change all views to one scale, one at a time. Then I can export to dwg/dxf and all views are same scale. It takes about 1/2 hour for 50 views, so it's not too bad. But I prefer if IV would do it for me like SW does.

Thanks for your input ...

[Cadmanto]

Chris,

That's a lot of work.   I know I am not good with iLogic, but this looks like a perfect candidate for a routine to be written.

If this solved your issue please mark this posting "Accept as Solution".

Or if you like something that was said and it was helpful, Kudos are appreciated. Thanks!!!! 

     

[cadman777]

Scott,

Great idea. Only thing is, I have 2010 Suite, and don't have the iLogic add-in module for it (not on "Subscription").

No probs. It doesn't matter, as my "work-around" works just fine.

Besides, I was wrong about SW. They can't do anything more than IV can in this matter.

Thanks for your input ...

[coreyparks]

I have a VBA routine that exports the flat pattern from within the model and will create and export one if it doesn't exist.  So I open all of my sheetmetal parts and then run the routine and close on each one.  Works great as we don't want anything in our flat patterns but the geometry they need to laser/water jet cut.  Each flat pattern is saved as it's part number and we send a complete print package with as reference in PDF format.  Why wuold they want all the dims in the flat pattern that they then just have to delete or turn off?

[cadman777]

Corey,

Thanks for that info. Did you write the VBA program yourself, or does it belong to the company?

The reason why the steel mill "needs" the annotations is b/c, as the customer told me, they're "not the brightest lamp on the street", & they have a QC routine that requires some dimensional info. Basically, it saves errors.

If possible, would you mind sharing w/me your VBA program and the instructions?

Cheers ...

[coreyparks]

Have you ever used any VB apps before?  The code gets placed in your Default VBA Project file.  You might want to change the default directory where the files get saved.  If you need specfics on how this needs to work let me know and I will get back to you.