Generate flat pattern DXF from sheet metal created in Frame generator

[petr.meduna]

Hello,

we've been using Frame generator for creating bend sheet metal around the long curve. Bend sheets has small bevel on each side, so the sheets are nicely connected. It's done by "Miter" function in frame generator options.

My problem is that when I try to export DXF flat pattern from sheet metal created way describe above (manually or via iLogic rule, it doesn´t matter), outer lines doesn´t export and it show white 0 as the outer layer. Also iFeatures (holes) are taken as outer lines, so they are marked as outer layer. Outer line with defined color is needed for machines in production process. 

Next problem is, that I have created hundrets of sheets, so there is a way how to bypass it? 

[Anonymous]

Can you attach one of the part files? That will let us dive in and see what could be going on

Edit: might also be worth looking at your export settings

[petr.meduna]

I´m sending problematic sheet metal with ini file used for export.

[petr.meduna]

Sheet metal with bevel sides.

[Anonymous]

Looks to me that the part itself is fine, it worked for me in the nesting utility. I'd see if you can work with your export options to adjust the layers to be what you need. I don't normally mess with that much, I just know the functionality should be there.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Petri,

I believe you may need to change the Spline tolerance when exporting to DXF from the Flat Pattern. In the Save Copy As wizard, go to Geometry tab -> Spline Simplification -> Linear Tolerance -> set it to 0.5mm. Is the result better now?

Many thanks!

[petr.meduna]

It's still the same. I tried to configure layers and specifications using the iLogic rule, but I still get the same result.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! Please share the dxf file here. I would like to compare it with the one I exported from my machine.

Many thanks!

[petr.meduna]

Hi, I'm sending DXF. Please download the file from link below, there was an error while I uploaded on forum here.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sK0VM5U1af76-UJn320u-gKuhdvx1FUf/view?usp=sharing

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi Petra,

I see the issue now. I think the problem is with the flat pattern body itself. The split faces are not perpendicular to the sheet metal faces. As a result, there are edges from from the back side when you look at the flat pattern. To fix it, you will need to use Thicken -> Intersect to clean up the side faces.

Thicken -> uncheck Auto-Blending -> check Auto Chain faces -> select the inside faces of the folded body -> Intersect -> distance = Tloušťka. Repeat the same process on the outer faces.

After that, the DXF should be smooth. Also, make sure you check "Merge Profiles into Polygon" option in Flat Pattern DXF Export Options -> Geometry. This will make the profile a polyline. See attached dxf file.

Many thanks! 

[petr.meduna]

Thank you, this really helps.