Export unfolded sheet metal to DXF

[chris7XW6D]

Hello,

Is there a way to export an unfolded sheet metal object to DXF?  I know I can export a sketch to DXF.  I have a sheet metal piece that started with a sketch but then has bends/flanges added.  It also has extrudes through it for some holes (more sketches after unfolding the bends).  I am looking at it in 3d, unfolded exactly as it needs to go to the cutting table but I have no way to export it to DXF.  My overall workflow is that I need to nest this part with other parts on the sheet.  I give the whole nested drawing to the shop.

Even if I could take the final piece and convert it to a sketch?

Thanks for any advice.

[paul.clauss · Accepted solution]

Hi @chris7XW6D

Thanks for posting! While a tool to export flat patterns to DXF format is on the roadmap for the development team, you can use the workflow described in this article to create DXF files from your sheet metal flat patterns. Please let us know if you have any questions.

[chris7XW6D]

Thanks Paul.  That solution works great.  🙂

[Jusdoo]

I have developed an app to extract plates flat patterns into a single drawing file.

views of all the plates / sheet metal parts will be created automatically in the drawing, material, thickness and quantity are labelled for the part.

from this drawing all the plates can be exported as independent dxf files with one button

you can also create a flat pattern view for that part and use button "Save View As DXF" to get a dxf file

iChords - Profiles Extractor @ Autodesk App Store