Slicing 3D Objects into Multiple 2D Planes and Outputting 1

[Plasmaman]

I would like to be able to slice 3D objects into layers 1/8" (or 1/16&quot thick and then output all of the 2D XY plane outlines to an individual file. This would allow me to build up 3D objects from 2D 1/8" thick pieces of steel. Can anyone tell me the best way to accomplish this using AutoCAD or another CAD program? Is there any utility that will do this ? Will it require AutoLisp programming ? Thanks alot for your help....

 

[tigrek]

Here is what I tried in Acad2000:
(I think it is the same in Acad14 too)

-Made several 3dObjects, Unions, intersections etc.
-New Layer: section - current layer
-Made a rectang including all those objects
-Turn the side view where rectang appears as line
-Made a rectangular array of the rectang (they slice the 3dObjects)
-Command: Section
pick all solid objects
Option Object
pick one rectang

-Repeat the same for all the rectangs.
-remove or hide the 3dObjects
There remain crosssection outlines corresponding to each of those rectangs which have served as cut planes.

I dont know if this helps at all, but if it does, the next step is how to automate this.

-Lisp can do it, certainly;
-VBA can do it easier, I assume

Selection sets are best to be by layers I think.

Well, lets have some more opinions on this

 

[h1954]

Hi
There ie a program call Rhino3d.
You can create de 3d object and then
choose from curves in the menu , to
do contours, it does the job en any
direction and in amy thickness you want
all in one step.
Any more questions let me know.
Good luck
Humberto

 

[blueprint]

Hi

Download the PowerPoint tutorial for Steel Stubs.
It has some slide presentations that will help you.The commands you need to look at are SOLPROF and SOLVIEW also see how you can use the clipping planes in the tutorial.

http://steelstubs.bizland.com

Good Luck
Peter

 

[cadkid]

The only other way that you might be able to acoomplish this, is to selct modify, 3dedit, copy faces, select the face you wish to copy, then ctrl + C, to copy the new face to the clip board then ctrl + v to add the face to a new drawing. Hope this helps.
This is in AK2K not sure about R14.

 

[CTruax]

I have not written this, but it seems you should be able to use automation control to
-grab all the objects in your 3D drawing
-loop through all the objects defining an equation for each
-solve for the intersection of each equation with the plane
-save the intersection to a 2D drawing
-increment the plane 1/8" and repeat
This sounds like a project I might have a use for also.

 

[Plasmaman]

Thanks for the replys. I figured a general purpose routine that slices at different thickness (in any plane) and saves the results off would be useful. I'm going to experiment and see what I can figure out. I like the idea of creating planes on separate layers, sounds like it might have some potential.

Just got the CNC table working yesterday, hoping to have the Plasma torch going this week.

 

[tigrek]

Ctruax is on the right path.
Except, it is very difficult to get the intersections of 3D objects with 2D plane - near impossible.
SendCommand "_ection" does it easier from VBA or
(command "section&quot from Lisp,
once the cut plane is defined by pline (rectang).