Placing 2D Spirals into a .DXF

[Ken4242]

Hello,

I am trying to generate a .dxf file that shows multiple spirals using Solidworks 2007. It seems I can only draw spirals by creating a new sketch for each one (since I can't create linear or circular patterns of them), and then, I can't seem to get the spirals to show up in a .dxf. Any ideas on how to achieve this? Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Ken4242

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

After creating the spirals, convert them into a 3D sketch using the Convert Entities tool. Then re-try the DXF.

 

[Ken4242]

I can't get the Convert Entities option to become clickable when I highlight either the spiral or the sketch (the circle) on which it is based. Any ideas?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Start a 3D sketch first, then use the Convert Entities tool.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I just did a quick test with SW2012, and I was able to save a DXF from the model directly from the spirals.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Same for SW2011.

Just realised you are still using SW2007, so maybe the DXF function was limited way back then. Show your boss this thread and tell him/her not to be so cheap.

Hopefully the 3D sketch > Convert Entities will work for you.

 

[Ken4242]

Good idea about getting an upgrade! I open a new file, click 3D sketch, then draw a circle, then, when I go Insert --> Curve --> Helix/Spiral, I get a message that says "The sketch must contain only a circle." Am I missing something obvious?

 

[AnnaWood]

Post the file/files with what you have so far. That way we can see what you are doing and offer advice.

Cheers,

Anna Wood
SW2011 SP4, Windows 7 x64

http://www.renderbay.com

http://www.solidmuse.com

http://www.phxswug.com

 

[Ken4242]

It turns out, the spiral was just defaulted to hidden when placed into the DWG file - I had to select "Show" to see it. Still hoping there is a way to array spirals or create more than one per sketch, but at least I can make the DXF by brute force if needed.

Thanks again, CorBlimeyLimey.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

OK, I may have been misleading you with the 3D Sketch. For some reason I had a tapered helix stuck in my head.

For the patterned 2D Spiral;
After creating the spiral, open a new 2D sketch and use the Convert Entities tool to propagate the spiral into the new sketch. That converted entity should now be pattern-able within the same sketch.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Sorry that was the SW2011 file.
Here's an image.