DXF export nesting study with contour heights

[and.ranch]

Hi,

I'm trying to get the nesting workspace to include contours that do not define the outline of the component, but a pocket, that is to be CNC'ed out on a 3 axis mill.

Is this possible in the nesting workspace?

See image below. When I generate a nesting study from this, i can only get it to include contours that are outside edges, not the inner edges shown in the image below (please focus features in the part in focus – the other parts have features that will be removed in the manufacturing model, e.g the part in the top of the image).

The use case is that my supplier is cutting these components from 15 mm plywood sheets. They require DXF outlines of all contours, color coded/layered for different cutting heights. 

Thanks!

[javiar]

@and.ranch ,

The DXF Export of nest results only outputs the 2D shape profiles of nested parts. Currently this command can not be used to export 3D dxfs with layered info about pockets, blind-holes, etc. If all internal contours are at a constant depth, you can certainly attribute them to a common layer using the layer mapping configuration, however, it will not dynamically assign layers based on depth of cuts.

What is your preferred choice of CAM solution? Can you share what limitations on the CAM front require you to rely on DXF export instead of creating the toolpaths directly within Fusion 360? 

Regards,

Ravi J

[tookemtoni]

Hi @javiar,

So to be clear in the Nesting and Fabrication Extension the DXF Export of nest results only outputs the 2D shape profiles?

Best, Toni

[MattWynn]

The DXF export (right click on nest sheet, export) is only the outer nesting contour.

To get 3D geometry, create the manufacturing model like you are and use CAM 2D contour, or maybe pocket, to get a toolpath.

There are several CAM posts for 2D profile that will output DXF - you might be able to modify them get them to work for 2.5D milling.

We are trying to get away from using DXF data to drive machine tools, this is 2021 after all.

[MattWynn]

this DXF post is labeled to work with both milling and cutting DXF Post

[tookemtoni]

The Add-in Mapboards Pro is the only thing I can find that is doing this efficiently. 

Here is the state of "depth recognizing multi layered dxf export" for Fusion 360: 360: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-manufacture/designers-without-cnc-machines-would-a-native-...