Convert Step File to usable Dxf

[nunofelix79]

Hi,

I'm trying to convert the attached step file into a dxf that i can use on a laser cutter. Right now it has too many surfaces. Is this achievable? 

[SEC_CAD · Accepted solution]

Wow. That file was complicated. I am not sure if Inventor has a way to do it but AutoCAD has a couple of methods - FLATTEN and FLATSHOT.

I tried FLATTEN for over an hour and still had no result.

I then did FLATSHOT. This file is probably best for your needs. This file is attached.

[j.palmeL29YX · Accepted solution]

Attached a .dxf file (2D).

If you want more detailed, let me know.

[nunofelix79]

Thank you so much.

[WHolzwarth]

I took a look at both DXF files.

Flatshot.dxf will not be good for laser cutting, because of duplicate lines. The other one seems ok.

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@WHolzwarth wrote:

Flatshot.dxf will not be good for laser cutting, because of duplicate lines.

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Therefore I posted an alternative suggestion. 😉

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! This is a solid body, possibly converted from mesh. To get a good clean profile, the geometry needs to be simplified. Inventor has limited ability handling mesh data. For this particular case, I suspect the following workflow may help.

1) Create a workplane 0.5mm offset from XY.

2) Create a sketch on the workplane.

3) Project Cut Edges -> Finish Sketch.

4) Right-click on the sketch -> Export Sketch As -> DXF -> Options -> select "FlatPattern" for customization.

Many thanks!

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@johnsonshiue wrote:

1) Create a workplane 0.5mm offset from XY.

2) Create a sketch on the workplane.

3) Project Cut Edges -> Finish Sketch.

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Exactly this way I did it too.  😉

But additional I tested the quality of the result and tried to extrude each of the closed curves. 4 of the curves and also the outer rectangle don't allow neither an extrusion nor another meaningfull modification. (I don't know if this corrupt curves will let us run into problems while the laser cutting). I repaired this curves manually.