Export to DXF files

[velto]

I want to export the project to dxf files for CNC cutting machine (2D- plate). How can I do it from the modeling I get only 3D project and on drafting I must scale it again to real size? Have any one some tricks to do it faster? Thank you
Velto

 

[hudson888]

Velto,

I had to do a bunch of these recently. There are a few tedious steps involved to do the job successfully, so I created a macro with "pause for user entry", as required.

For DXF flat patterns that you want to copy for profile cutting I usually have some steps to transform using some objects for the X and Y axes and a screen position for the origin, then as part of the transform I copy the geometry to another "scratch" layer, (one that you know will always be empty). After that I switch to the scratch layer, turn off all the other layers, Fit, and then run DXF export with, "Class Selection", Then "Select All", (this is where the pause for user entry comes in for the DXF filename). The macro goes on to delete the copy on the scratch layer, then goes back to layer 1, and Fits to finish.

For drawings going usually to Autocad via the same method I similarly use a macro, that is more involved. I export to CGM, sometimes setting text to polylines so that there are no font conflicts. Then I import that into a "scratch" layer and export it to DXF in the same way as described above. We don't really set high expectations that the converted drafting product will be maintainable or that there will be any interoperability via DXF outside of UG.

You probably only needed the first part...

Best Regards

Hudson