Creating DXF file with various depth cuts

[toycept]

Hello.

I'd like to create a DXF file for a CNC router operation. The part is a flat part (MDO board) with numerous cut outs. However there
are some areas that are not cut all the way through, having a depth of cut of .200". The vendor requests a DXF file
with 2 layers, one for the basic shape with through cuts, another separate layer showing the .200 cuts. I know how to create a single
layer DXF file, but I'm stumped on how to create the DXF file with the 2nd layer showing the separate depth cuts.

I've tried to look this up on line, youtube videos and such, but can't really find an answer. Any help, direction pointing or
short explanation would be much appreciated.... and thank you. If any help, I've uploaded a file so you can see what I'm referring to.
There's 2 configurations, one showing all the cuts and one of the basic shape with through cuts.

thank you again.

John

 

[ctopher]

DXF is 2D. Have the CNC programmer vary the depth.

ctopher, CSWP
SolidWorks '17
ctophers home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[toycept]

thanks for the reply.

I think it's a bit more involved than that, but thank you.

 

[3DDave]

Have not used Solidworks, but have used several other ones, it doesn't seem like a function they would have to automatically place different depths on different layers - what would be right for a top view of a wedge where the edge depth varies along the length?

The lines on the drawing are edges of the solid model that are projected into 2D to make the drawing and for which the edges that are visible are given precedence over those that lie at a greater depth, so the depth information is purposely filtered out.

Manually you might be able to assign colors to the edges.

http://help.solidworks.com/2020/eng...entities_on_export_to_dwg.htm?format=P&value=

Perhaps this will help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcsacQKVVwI

 

[Jboggs]

My understanding is that Autocad is the software from which DXF files were originally created. Autocad has a tool called "layers" that you might use to accomplish your task. In Autocad the term "layer" has nothing to do with depth or geometry. It is simply a way of grouping similar drawing elements and then handling them as a group. Its a convenient way to separate object lines from dimension lines, from notes, from hidden or center lines, etc.

Every drawing element is assigned to a layer. When a layer is ON, all the elements assigned to that layer are displayed. The opposite is also true. By turning layers on and off you can select which groups of elements you see at any time.

Using that concept I can see how cutting paths at one depth could be to assigned to LAYER1, and those on a different depth would be on LAYER2. You can have one or both layers on or off as you wish.

Your DXF software probably assigns all elements to layer "0" by default. Somewhere there should be a way to create new layers and name them whatever you want. You can select the default layer for all new elements as you create them. You can also change the layer assignment of any element.

See if that works for you.

 

[toycept]

Thank you all for your help.

3DDave, I had seen the youtube video you referred to. That does show kind of what I need to know to create what Solidworks refers to as "mapping". It's just so convoluted a way of doing it, to be honest, I just don't really get it. I've been playing around with seeing if that might work for what I'm trying to do, but haven't yet been successful.

Jboggs, what you are describing is exactly what I'm trying to do. It's kind of similar to if I had different layers in Illustrator, you can turn layers on and off, or show all layers. Each layer representing a different depth of the cutter. And the layers would lay on top of one another, so the basic shape on all layers are aligned.

For something that should be kind of straightforward within the SW program, it's one of those things (at least in my mind) is much more complicated than it needs to be.

Still plugging away at it.

thanks again!

 

[SBaugh]

Have you looked in the help at Custom map file? I assume this is a drawing and not a part file, if so keep reading.

That shows you how to create a custom map file when exporting to a DXF\DWG. That might be what you need to do to get what you need. I know SW does not come with a custom map file it has to be made by through their process.

Scott Baugh, CSWP
CAD Systems Manager
Dapco, INC

http://www.dapcoinc.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[Jboggs]

Custom mapping from SW to a DXF is actually pretty easy. You select which types of elements in SW should go to which layers in the DXF. Object lines to Layer 0, Centerlines to Layer CENTER, etc. Maybe that will work for you.

You can also directly assign objects in DXF files to Layers from inside Solidworks. You open the DXF file as a SW drawing. One of the properties of each element is its layer. You can select elements and change their assigned layer. You can create new layer names as you need them.

Another option, and possibly a better one, would be to manipulate the DXF file itself. You can do that in AutoCAD, Draftsight (a free SW 2D software), or any number of other 2D programs.