Export 3D Design to DXF

[KLathwell]

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.

[TrippyLighting]

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

[KLathwell]

Hi Peter

File now attached. I hope you can help me

[HughesTooling]

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@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

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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

[TrippyLighting]

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.

[KLathwell]

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

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

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.  

[TrippyLighting]

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@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

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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 😉

[KLathwell]

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

[KLathwell]

Hi John.

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