Need a DXF but I've got no idea. Any help appreciated

[Darksky72688]

I need to take en existing drawing and somehow turn it into a DXF file format drawing. I can not simply do a save as since I'm running UG (NX4) through teamcenter it will just create a new revision of the drawing (from what I understand) and I've been trying to do File>export>DFX/DWG> but its giving me a lot of options about things that I simply do not know what they are and I can not find a single option that will let me choose the file path for the object. I was able to save the drawing sheet as a TIFF with no problems which is why i'm so stumped now...

 

[BOPdesigner]

I have the best luck using File->Export->2D Exchange. In that dialog, change the Output As to a DXF file. Output to = Modeling means that it will put your drawing sheet in the model space, or model tab when you open the dxf file with AutoCAD. You will have to follow this process for each sheet in your drawing. Click on Specify Output file to set your local folder and name the file. I have noticed that if you do use File->Export->DXF/DWG that your model goes into the AutoCAD model space and it creates a layout tab for each of your drawing sheets. You will probably have some formatting problems that need tweaked after the fact.

 

[hudson888]

You'd probably be better reading the manual first since your request is for a broader and more detailed explanation than I could possibly give here. Try also hitting F1 just after you enter the DXF/DWG export dialog. For simple parts where what you see is what you'll get then File>Export>DXF/DWG does the job. For drawings 2D Exchange is great once you get it working but there is perhaps a greater understanding of the settings required in order to set load options and other defaults.

If you just want to be able to read a drawing off site I wonder that anyone wouldn't just output a PDF file. Exported translation data is degraded to the point where really the only sensible place to maintain your drawings is by using the original NX data. All CAD systems are more or less the same in this regard and nobody much wants to take drawings from one system to the other because you essentially need to re-apply most of the dimensions anyway.

Best Regards

Hudson

www.jamb.com.au

Nil Desperandum illegitimi non carborundum

 

[BOPdesigner]

File -> Export -> PDF was not introduced until NX 5. And yes, it is wonderful. Some of the dimensions will be good in the DXF but others you will have to recreate. I have several PRs in the queue related to text degradation or shifting around using 2D exchange to output a DXF/DWG file.

 

[hudson888]

Fair point you probably want to get a copy of PDFCreator or similar until you can upgrade to NX-5.

The only other way to go is the tried and true cgm export, re-import and then export to DXF route. It seriously dumbs down the data but it presents as an exact replica when translated.

Best Regards

Hudson

www.jamb.com.au

Nil Desperandum illegitimi non carborundum

 

[Darksky72688]

I have the ability to export the drawing as a pdf and I know how to do that one, I wish that was a route that I could go. I need to send this drawing to another user within the system here who is only running autoCAD, the real problem for me is that I do not have autoCAD at all so whatever I do I can not test by running in the appropriate program. I managed to export something yesterday after I poseted here but, it was dafaultly placed in my temp folder and after I tracked it down there I sent it along but I do not know if it will work or if I did the export right. The real problem was trying to find a way to change the file path so I woudln't have to go digging through a congested temp folder.

Thank you all for your advice. If I need to re-do the export then I will give your suggestions a try

 

[BOPdesigner]

Check out that Specify Output file button to change the output folder and file name. As Hudson mentioned, there are quite a few settings in various places that can be changed for the output. You ought to be able to download a free viewer for the dxf or dwg file at

http://www.autodesk.com.

Or, maybe you can try the 30 day trial of AutoCAD if you need to:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=2704278

 

[rg006]

Hello,
Maybe this will work for you. We have to use a three step process to output a good DXF file (with lines only).

First, FILE -> EXPORT -> CGM
select the drawing and a location to put it

Second, FILE -> IMPORT -> CGM
import the CGM you just created ( as a new sheet )

Last, FILE -> EXPORT -> DXF
you will have to chose the class selection option and drag over the entire drawing ( it should be only lines )

God Bless,
Rick