Folded Sheet Metal 3d export for manufacture

[Matthz]

Dear Fusion360 team,

Currently, to export a sheet metal design to a common 3d file like .stp (machine shops don't like .stl files) we need to do the following:

1. disable timeline
2. convert body to component
3. export component to the desired format
4. undo the previous three steps to go back 

It'd very useful if the export command could ignore the timeline/component/whatever status and force an export without going thru all the above... or I'm missing something?

[TheCADWhisperer]

You shouldn't have to do all of that?

Right click on the Component and select Export and set to *.stp file type. Done!

[Matthz]

Yes, I know, but you can't convert a sheet metal body to component unless you disable the timeline, hence the post.

[jeff_strater]

you should not need to convert to a component to export.  Just export from the file dropdown:

or from the browser root:

[Matthz]

if is a single part fine, that works, but if your project includes more parts, solid and sheet then you have to do as in the first post, unless you want to export the whole project.

When you're checking for prices from different manufacturers having the chance to export directly to common 3d formats would be a plus.

I don't get why the limitation of workflow. Export command should be always available no matter if it is an assembly, with mixed parts etc.

I uploaded the project to show you what I mean.  

[wmhazzard]

Before starting a sheet metal part, create a new component and make the sheet metal part in that component, that component will become a sheet metal component. Then you will be able to right click on the component and export it. 

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

Take a look at the attached Screencast.  It shows you a method of creating a Component from a sheet metal Body so you can then Export it.  The process will not bring along the sketch that was used to create the body and place it in the component but it will remain where it was.  That is not an issue for you, all you need is a quick way to create a component for export.  You do have the option to remove the sheet metal body during the process or afterwards using the Remove function.

[Matthz]

@jhackney1972 

killer advice thanks!