Is there a way to automaticlaly genrate multilayer DXF files for CNC routing

[Anonymous]

I have 50 individual parts that I need CNC routing out of sheet material. My local CNC shop requires that I supply them with DXF files for each of of my parts with individual layers for each type of cutting operation e.g. drills, slots, part outline ect...

I can't find a way of automatically mapping DXF layers with cutting operations in Fusion 360, I know I can manually map elements of my DXF drawings to different layers, but I have hundreds of holes/slots in my designs, its not practical approach it would takes weeks.

Is this possible to do in Fusion 360, if not what other software exist that can archive this?

[daniel_lyall]

You really need to be able to colour code each layer then a 10 mm hole is pink so they know all pink holes are 10 mm, same with the cutout path black is the cutout.

Your best bet at the moment would be to nest all the parts then do a project of all the parts so you have the nested sketch, then I do not know of any free program you can use to clour the vectors, you can buy a program that let you color code the vectors like but with this one it can only do 24in squire this program is a good companion to fusion and a 1 off cost.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your response daniel_lyall. I'm not sure if that program will help, as I have 50 parts and a lot of them are larger than 24in in one direction at least.

I think your right I need to arrange all of my parts within the boundary of my stock material 2440x1220mm, I have already done this using the arrange feature.

But, I still haven't found a way of automatically export multiplayer DXFs, where each layer represents a cutting operation. For instance in my design I have hundreds of 12mm deep 1 mm diameter dills holes, 10.5mm deep slots, 12mm deep 4.5mm diameter holes, etc... each cutting operation needs to be on its of DXF layer. There must be away of automatically doing this otherwise it would be so time consuming.

Does anyone have experience using DXF Post, will this do that I want? There doesn't seem to be any information about what it does or how to use it, only this forum post.

[daniel_lyall]

There is no way to do it at the moment unless you use a different sketch for each element of the design that's why I suggested something that works I use their top-end programs to do what you are asking about, the export too .dxf is more for lasers than anything else.

I am a router user and a woodworker.

[MattWynn]

@Anonymous we are glad to hear you are using the arrange feature!
Is there any other format your vendor would accept?  Perhaps we have a cam post for their machine and you could do the cam yourself.

I understand that the dxf post you refer to is limited to the 2d profile operation.  While conceptually it would be possible to extend it to drill and slot operations, it is best if we use a data format that is more targeted to what you are really trying to accomplish.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply. I have asked my vendor if they would accept a step file containing my nested parts, previously they said they couldn't accept separate step files per part as it would be too time consuming for them to quote. I've also asked if I can do the CAM work myself providing there is a post for their machine in Fusion.

Its shame the DXF post is limited to 2D. I'm surprised that what I'm trying to achieve isn't a common thing, I've contacted other vendors in my area and they all ask for the same multilayer DXF format. 

[daniel_lyall]

It is a common thing, A user opening a .dxf with multi-layers in fusion is fine it becomes multi sketches.