Exporting flat-pattern view in Drawing as .dwg.

[riedeld5696]

Hello!  I am trying to find a work-around to a multi-step procedure in order to save time and

increase accuracy.  I would like to export the flat-pattern view of  a part in a drawing as a .dwg file, in the same way I would as the "Export face...." command in the sheet metal environment.  Right now, I must open the part from the flat pattern view, flatten the part, then right-click the face I would like to export as a .dwg file.  This is very time-consuming and the flat pattern drawing view looks the same as the flat pattern in the sheet metal environment (when correctly oriented).  When I attempt to export the selected flat pattern drawing view on a sheet (highlighted view), the export always includes the entire sheet or sheet.  How can I export only the highlighted flat pattern view.  Many times the flat pattern view on the drawing is not the same represented side as the model flat pattern side at my workplace, which forces me to compare the drawing flat pattern representation to the exported face  in the model.  By exporting directly from the drawing sheet, I could save several steps for every part, as well as guarantee the the orientation on the sheet is identical to what is exported for shop use.  Thanks so much for your time and any response. Dave

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! I believe you can control the layers to be exported. The model geometry is on "Visible" layer in the drawing. You can simply disable or hide all other layers except "Visible." 

Many thanks!

[CadManagerMoffatNZ]

Hi Dave

we do exactly the same work flow in our production environment.

To achieve what you are asking you will need to go to an automated export using the VBA interface or i-logic.

We have an in house VBA that will do all the steps you describe and save the output with the correct name and revision etc.

The things to ensure with this is to also have am xml file linked that controls the layer export.

It appears in the manual process you described.

The instructions for editing teh xml file are in its header section

The orientation issue i think is linked to when the flat pattern view is placed on the drawing it is being rotated or flipped when placed. Best practice is to use the flat pattern orientation tools in the flat pattern window to orientate the model file as you want it to appear on the drawing. If when you place it in the drawing file and your not happy with the orientation go back to the flat pattern and re-orientate as required.

As for the automation pop over to the inventor customization forum as there are numerous links in the customization forum on this subject.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-customization/bd-p/120

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