There should be an Auto 2D Drawing dimensioning function in Fusion 360.

[CLmoss]

There should be a Auto 2D Drawing dimensioning function in Fusion 360.  I mean, if we designed it already in Fusion, then the dimensions are all there in the files, even in the STEP files.   We have to design the project twice to get a set of dimensioned Drawings. A true automated system would do this for you.

If it exists then I have not found it.  Point me to it.

[daniel_lyall]

Here's the file done from fusion export as step, imported into inventor exported out as a dwg brought into DWG trueview exported out as a 2000 dwg and each file from each step.

[Maowen_Zhang]

@CLmoss, I export DWG from your fusion f3d file, and then use DWG TRUEVIEW 2018 to convert it as DWG 2000 version file, which contains holes, I add it to attachment, capture an image as below. 

Your fusion f3d file wasn't using sheet metal, so export it as STEP file and import to Inventor can't flatpattern it. 

[CLmoss]

I opened up the file you posted in DWG TRUEVIEW current version and all I saw was black.  

I guess DWG TRUEVIEW doesn't let you view 2000 DWG files.  

So as I see it.  I can only flatten the file by hand using the faces as a guide.  

Wow... 5 months work and learning and I am back to this. 

Any other suggestions?

[CLmoss]

daniel_lyall your DWG files looked good in DWG VIEWER.  They were clean of sketch lines.  Thanks.   Can you flatten it too?

[CLmoss]

...

[Maowen_Zhang]

@CLmoss It was all black when open the DWF file in DWG TRUEVIEW, it might be related with the current camera setting. Try click home button in View Cube to show all contents. 

[CLmoss]

I see, yeah that helped.  It still has all those sketch lines on yours.  

I sent over Daniel's version to see if the shop could read that.  

It looks like some shops can live with just dimensioned PDF files.  

Some want STEP files and others 2000 DXF files.  

I read that DXF and DWG were very similar formats.  

What does it mean when DWG TRUEVIEW says "regenerating model"?  Is that like Refresh? 

[Maowen_Zhang]

@CLmoss, Yes, "regenerating model" is updating/refreshing display on graphics canvas based on persistent drawing objects. It happens when you open dwg file in order to generate display, or zoom in/out sometimes and lots of operations when there is need to update display.  

About the sketch lines showed in dxf file, it's because we export both 2d sketches and 3d model to DXF file (from fusion f3d file). We couold use below "Layer Properties" command to trun sketch lines off. 

[daniel_lyall]

Not yet, I am still learning how to do this, It would not be to hard to learn it took 5 mins to work out how to use sheet metal in inventor and export a flattened file out as a dwg. I just don't know much about the rules.

I will see what I can do with your example file.

You should sign up for the sheetmetal preview it look like you will use it a lot.

[CLmoss]

Yeah, I am not sure about bend radiusing either.  

I don't know where to sign up for Fusion 360 Sheet Metal preview.  Maybe you can help there. 

On another note, is there a enthusiast/start-up offer for Inventor?  That would be helpful.  

It seems that I have come to Fusion 360 at the wrong time. When it is still Fusion 359.  

So there is a lot of redesign to be done now.  

However, the forum is a lot of help.  Thanks for your help Daniel. 

[daniel_lyall]

You get 30 days on the version you wont to try, it's not hard to use you just have to find where the commands are.

I see what I can do with your model all the measurements are there.

[daniel_lyall · Accepted solution]

@CLmoss go for the sheet metal preview I did your model in a few mins without out the hole, and that was the first time I did something like that,

It was draw a rectangle, select all edges to do a flange move it up to it's the correct height ok that, click on unfold, select the big rectangle set it to flatten all edges and that's all to get it flat and to size, to add the hole you will just sketch or project like you do with the parts that are going into the model and do a extrude to cut them out when finished hit refold and it's done, the extract flat pattern it about to be added that's what you need.

It's quite easy to use you will just need to post on there someone will show you how to do your part and set the settings and you can go into all the work areas when doing a sheet metal part, you just need to know the sheet metal thickness and what to set the K factor to.

[CLmoss]

Where do I go to get in on the Sheet Metal Preview?????

Can you send me a link?  Where do I sign up???   

I will do it in a heart beat. 

Help!

[daniel_lyall]

you post in here https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/preview-functionality/bd-p/297  you read this first https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/preview-functionality/sheet-metal-getting-started/td-p/6932660

I managed to get your example finished as a sheet metal part.

I just imported you example into the same model setup for sheet metal lined it up then projected all the holes into the sheet metal part went into the model work spaces and extrude/cut the holes, went back to the sheet metal work spaces laid it flat pulled a dxf from it lade flat, it's within 0.001 inch.

All told it was about 30 mins to get it all done and check, some one who know what they are doing probably 10 mins.

Now the rest of your needs can hopefully be solved.

[CLmoss]

Right On!   I just checked it out.  It looks good.  In 30 minutes too.  Wow. I used projected a lot in the last few months.  It works good.  

I will try to get on the Preview list.  Thanks for your help.  I just subscribed to your youtube channel. 

[daniel_lyall]

Thanks it a bit ruff most of my videos don't have voices in them, it's still all relevant to how fusion works now.

You will like sheet metal it's not hard to use at all and it can be use in all area's of fusion what's a plus in my books.

[Maowen_Zhang · Accepted solution]

For your information, upcoming May release is going to have support for flat patterns and drawings.  Functionality in these two areas will be basic for now but will be enhanced in July.

[CLmoss]

OK.  I signed up for the Sheet Metal Preview.  What happens next? 

[daniel_lyall]

If you get in you will get a email saying you have access, @promm   has been letting most people through who use sheet metal or have a real need for it like you do.

[CLmoss]

When you did it, how long did it take to get the email?  A day...  a week?

If he doesn't let me in, I will need to start looking for an alternate solution.