Unable to export a DXF gear

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to create gears that I will make with the laser cutter.

So I used the add-ins - SpurGear and I've created my gears.

But to have them on Inkscape I must create a DXF. So I did a sketch by making a projection of the gears. But When I want to open the DXF file I made with the sketch, I only see a few lines of my gear.

Why is it so?

Here is what I see.

Fusion 360 Gear Projection SketchInkscape DXF open

Thanks in advance for your help. 

[TheCADWhisperer]

Can you File>Export and then Attach the *.f3d file here so that I can do some experimentation?

[HughesTooling]

Just discussing this in another thread, the problem is a lot of low end programs can't handle spline that are higher than degree 3. I expect the teeth are degree 5 or higher, one option is to use the dxf spline to polyline add in here.

Mark

[MichaelT_123]

Hi Mrs/Miss BaMaker,

Perhaps because your logo is quite unique amongst others (in the positive sense) please find modification of spurGear script by Mr Brian Ekins. I have butchered it slightly ( hope that the author will not complain ... too harshly).

The modified script is in the attachment. It requires standard installation ( remember also to copy \resource from the original script directory). If you will have problem I more than sure that you will find here many willing helpers.

The script modification (in essence) replaces spline profile curves with a set of line segments.

The place when the original code is modified is marked with #@ ----. It can be played with as required.

With Wishes of SSuCCeSS

MichaelT

[Anonymous]

Is that enough if I share a link?

https://a360.co/2NO0uIq

[Anonymous]

Ok, I'm trying to understand. In short, I should install another apps that will convert some lines that the DXF don't really see?

I should install this apps? I can not do any installation by myself  at my office (politics at work). It is the informatic service that will need to do it. Is that simple? I mean it is autoinstall or they must put the apps somewhere precisely?

Is there any other way to generate gears that is free other than with Fusion 360?

I found a few sites but I can't have the DXF file free. 😞

[Anonymous]

I've just found this one!

http://hessmer.org/gears/InvoluteSpurGearBuilder.html

We need to create gears only to explore how they work with the student.

But I'll wait for your answer concerning the apps, 'cause it's too bad I can't create them with Fusion 360.

[HughesTooling]

@Anonymous  Did you read the help for the add in here? It should install and add a button to the sketch menu that allows export of the DXF with all spline converted to line segments.

Mark

[swilkersonMLSFU]

Yes I have the exact same problem.  it's really sad because I love fusion 360.  It's probably why so many colleges use SolidWorks.  As soon as you want to do something sophisticated with fusion 360  you're out of luck.  I've look for a solution, tried every format available.  At some point it would be easier just to write code myself to generate gears in dxf format.  Very disappointing.....

[etfrench]

Perhaps talking to the developers of the app which consumes the dxf would be appropriate. 

[rushabhthakkar_910]

To save a DXF file from a sketch in your design

Right-click a sketch in the Fusion 360 browser and select Save As DXF. Note: If your design doesn't include a sketch, the Save As DXF option is disabled. 

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Conve... 

[TheCADWhisperer]

---

@swilkersonMLSFU wrote:

 It's probably why so many colleges use SolidWorks.   At some point it would be easier just to write code myself to generate gears in dxf format.  Very disappointing.....

---

SolidWorks does not create true involute *profile tooth forms.  The SolidWorks Toolbox creates cosmetic gears with interfering teeth.  Very disappointing…

You will have to write code, borrow code, or manually lay out the curves in SolidWorks. So disappointing…

*SolidWorks uses simplified Wellman’s Odontograph method.

@swilkersonMLSFU 

You can Export Toothform (true involute gears) in Autodesk Inventor Professional.  Students can get Inventor Professional for free.

[swilkersonMLSFU]

Ha Ha, seems I hit a nerve...

[etfrench]

Not really.  When you contact the other software team, give them this link to the dxf specification.  It might help them fix their software😀

You can also try editing your dxf and change the spline types to see if that works with the other software.

[swilkersonMLSFU]

Not sure who the other software team is, but if you look at the posts they
are all the same on this issue. You simply can't use the gears made in
fusion360 in other programs. So laser cutting is out. Typically uses
Corel Draw or Adobe. Water jets are out, we're using protomax software,
our CNC machines don't recognize your stuff, so there you have it. I guess
we'll just have to wait for everyone else to catch up to where you are, or
simply use something else. That's the point here. Unfortunately, it is
the arrogance of software developers who you just can't talk to about an
issue. It's always someone else's fault or the people using their stuff
are all idiots.

No need to reply, I got the message; your stuff is perfect and everyone
else is messed up. Thanks a lot.

[TheCADWhisperer]

Exactly what issue are you experiencing with dxf (or STEP)?

Can you File>Export your *.f3d file to your local drive and then Attach it here to a Reply and the resulting dxf file?

[TrippyLighting]

@swilkersonMLSFU Just FYI. Being an Autodesk Expert Elite means that we are customer just as yourself.

Keep that in mind the next time you use the term "your software" 😉 

[etfrench]

There is more than one youtube video for creating spur gears in Fusion 360 using formulas for the involute shape.  This one seems nice.

[MichaelT_123]

Hi Mr SWilkersonMLSFU,

"Ha Ha, seems I hit a nerve..."

Ho, hoo, hooo,.. I don't think you did.🤔

Most CADmen out here are pretty tough, and you are not the hardest nut encountered on the Forum, which is good ... keep this way.  

Regarding the issue at hand... Many 'unfortunates' still use 'primitive' software on their gear cutting machines. This software cannot interpret splines as most likely they run only a considerably basic DXF interpreter. It is justified by the cost many such systems are supplied to the market and/or their base purpose.

In this thread, you will find the link to the modified gear add-in, which replaces spline profile with small line segments (search for With Wishes of SSuCCeSS).

Consider generating your gear/DXF using this modified add-in. 

And hey, heey, heeey… you might also have an idea to modify this piece of software to suit your/others needs even better.

Regards

MichaelT