Sheet metal .dxf export

Sheet metal .dxf export

alexhardie
Advocate Advocate
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Message 1 of 5

Sheet metal .dxf export

alexhardie
Advocate
Advocate

Hi, When exporting a sheet metal flat pattern as a .dxf, it automatically includes bend lines and multiple layers.  Some plasma cutters and waterjets work better with a single layer .dxf that doesn't include the bend lines.  I'd like an option to export as a single layer without bend lines.  It would also be helpful to be able to preview that .dxf.  Currently my work around is to create a sketch from the flat pattern and project all the edges, then export the sketch as a dxf, then open in another software to make sure I got all the geometry.  Lastly, it would be REALLY cool if I could click one button to export all flat patterns and have an icon to show when flat pattern exports are out of date (similar to how posting an .nc program shows an orange icon when changes have been made to a toolpath since the last time it was posted).  P.S.  If you really want to wow us, allow us to export the .dxf files to a cloud folder that can be shared with a fabricator, so I don't have to move them to dropbox.

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1,917 Views
4 Replies
Replies (4)
Message 2 of 5

Warmingup1953
Advisor
Advisor

Easy! Bend and extent lines Visibility. As to Cloud sharing as described...I don't think that's available bend.jpg

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Message 3 of 5

g-andresen
Consultant
Consultant

Hi,

The bending lines are also exported if they are hidden in the browser.
The "Bend" and "Bend Extent" layers must be hidden in the target application.

 

günther

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Message 4 of 5

Warmingup1953
Advisor
Advisor

Thanks for pointing that out... I had always assumed the Export from Fusion excluded bendlines etc when Vis toggled off....Obviously, for me and my subcontractors downstream software respected the layer Visibility setting.

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Message 5 of 5

Drewpan
Advisor
Advisor

HI,

 

I think the easiest way for you to export your work to the fabricator is to get them to download and install fusion and

then share your work as a Team Member. They may not use the software but with the functionality built into fusion it

might be worth their while at least having a look. That is what I would sell to them to get them to do it. They may find

that they could in turn advertise they accept fusion files this way. By having fusion installed they can actually open

the file you send them and if they have compatible machines they could create g-code directly from your design.

 

It is certainly worth a shot as you don't know what you don't know and by potentially helping their business you are

building a relationship with them that may lead to more business for both of you.

 

Cheers

 

Andrew

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