topic Re: Export 3D Design to DXF in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

Export 3D Design to DXF

KLathwell — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 19:45:04 GMT

Hi Guys

I am really struggling.

I have various models that I want to send for Laser cutting. My guy can use dwg, dxt or steps files but I have problems when I try to export to any of these formats.

I want to send my 3d Design to him in 2d so that he can just download to his program and start cutting

Despite reviewing many you tube video's I cannot find one that describes the process in a logical way.

I have tried a number of methods but all seem to keep the original design or do not export accurately with parts missing or not correctly dimensioned

Can someone suggest a tutorial or You Tube video which properly explains the process.

I have attached one export example in the files below, it's a complete mess.

Re: Export 3D Design to DXF

TrippyLighting — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 20:09:55 GMT

Please attach your model in .f3d format to the next post.

Re: Export 3D Design to DXF

KLathwell — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 14:02:06 GMT

Hi Peter

File now attached. I hope you can help me

Re: Export 3D Design to DXF

HughesTooling — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 15:31:51 GMT

@KLathwell wrote:

Hi Guys

I want to send my 3d Design to him in 2d so that he can just download to his program and start cutting

If you want 2d you'll need to create 2d drawings. Just downloading as a DXF does not magically create 2d drawings, your DXF opens in Rhino fine as a 3d model as expected.

You need to create 2d drawings from your model. See help.

Mark

Re: Export 3D Design to DXF

TrippyLighting — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 15:34:13 GMT

You should check out the "Arrange" feature.

Once arranged, you can project the outline of your boards into a new sketch and export that sketch as a dxf.

Re: Export 3D Design to DXF

KLathwell — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 18:31:04 GMT

Hi Peter

Thanks again, so if I understand, there is no magic way to export a 3d model directly for laser cutting so I need to make 2d drawings for all parts of my model

Re: Export 3D Design to DXF

jhackney1972 — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 19:11:00 GMT

If you have a Fusion 360 Subscription License you can use the Arrange command as @TrippyLighting has already suggested. I created a Screencast to illustrate what he suggested.

Re: Export 3D Design to DXF

TrippyLighting — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 20:21:41 GMT

@KLathwell wrote:

Hi Peter

Thanks again, so if I understand, there is no magic way to export a 3d model directly for laser cutting so I need to make 2d drawings for all parts of my model

No, you don't understand that correctly!

I simply thought that's what you wanted.

So you already exported a 3D model in an as-assembled state into a DXF file as @HughesTooling was able to show.

Obviously, that model cannot be laser cur in an assembled state. At least not on any Laser cutter I am aware of.

That necessitates another action. The question you need you to ask yourself then what information a Laser cutter needs to do what you want. So before continuing to propose workflows, you need to answer the question of what "your guy" exactly needs.

A Laser cutter cuts material out of flat stock. That means it needs a path to follow in a flat plane. The workflow I described outputs that pattern in a 2D DXF.

If "your guy" states that he can also use a STEP file, then the process is similar, but you don't need to create a DXF sketch. Exporting the arranged geometry as a STEP file might be OK.

It is clear that you lack some basics, so I would recommend you communicate with "your guy" and ask him what exactly he would expect to see in the STEP file. Then provide feedback here and we can move forward without having to waste more time with assumptions 😉

Re: Export 3D Design to DXF

KLathwell — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 13:40:26 GMT

Hi Peter

Thanks for your support, I now have various work arounds which work for me.

If I use the manufacturing tab method I can export a detailed STP file which is completely accurate when I open in a another program so I am happy with this method

Re: Export 3D Design to DXF

KLathwell — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 13:41:35 GMT

Hi John.

Thanks for your support in this matter. I now have a couple of ways to export.