Creating 2D Layouts for Laser Cutting

[rhys.nichols]

Hi All,

I'm looking to create some 2D layouts of mounting locations for other components to send to a laser cutter.

I have the attached model, which is *roughly* where I want things to be located, but is there a way I can locate the components more precisely - similar to what is available in the sketch space and then be able to extract the DXF.

The only thing I need for the laser cutter is the hole locations so I have drawn the same thing again in a single sketch, but it gets very cluttered and difficult to work with and I have a few different ones I want to experiment with.

Thanks for any suggestions

[davebYYPCU]

Base plate with drilled holes, does not need all the rectangles.

You can reduce the clutter by just projecting the hole walls.

Dimension one hole, and make the others Equal with the Equal constraint.

Might help....

[rhys.nichols]

The rectangles are the outer outlines of the components. Without these, how would the mounting holes be constrained to the correct dimensions and positions? 

Could you be more specific with the work flow you are suggesting? 

Thanks 

[davebYYPCU]

Export Sketch 3 as DXF

The sketch will update with any movement or realignment of any component, but will not break position due to the purple sketch articles source is from elsewhere.

Might help....

[rhys.nichols]

Thanks, that's the end result I'm after, but the components are only roughly laid out where I want them. 

The real question I have is there some way I can position those components precisely, like colinear constraints, or constraining points to a line, moving a component 2mm right etc? 

[davebYYPCU]

Sure, ground the base, and rigid joint the components to it,  position is by offset that is completely editable, and btw, the sketch 3 will keep updating if you moved the components before sketch 3 appears in the timeline.

Make all joints before this position.

Might help....