CAM dxf/dwg

Machine shops around here can only read dxf or dwg file into the CNC/CAM. Is
there a easy way to convert to formats?

 

Well DXF/DWG files are 2D drawings, and not 3D model files. So if in
fact they do need 2D DXF/DWG files, then while in a Solidworks drawing,
you can do a save as, and change the file type to DXF or DWG at that
point.

If they are mistaken in what file type they need, and they in fact are
going to try to machine some 3D shape, then thats a whole different
ball game than DXF/DWG.

I know our CNC dept here will use a DWG to 'lay' geometry on a surface
of a model to then have something to apply tool path too (IE bolt hole
locations, vent channels, o-ring groove shapes).

 

The files are use for laser and waterjet cutting, so it is 2D.

I don't see DXF/DWG option under "save as". We are running sw2004. We
have been sending IGS files but the Machine shop don't like it.

 

Create a drawing of your model. While in the drawing mode, select
File->Save As. Saving in dwg/dxf format is only available in the
SolidWorks drawing mode.

Steve R.

 

We also do a lot of plasma / waterjet stuff - workflow is something like:
1. Take care when adding new parts to ensure your "front" face is generally
parallel to the flat part - speeds up creating drawings down the line. Add
the mating plane in the assembly and fit the front plane to this, rather
than adding the drawing plane in the part.....if you get my drift....
2. Create a new drawing with scale set to 1:1 - you can also set the
different layers required (e.g "cutting", "marking", "partnumber" etc if
your nesting software can read these in)
3. create views of each of your parts - use "flat pattern" for sheet metal
components or "front" for ones without bends.
4. use the note tool to create a note without leader linked to the filename
of the part in the view it is attached to - this allows you to put part
numbers on top of everything.
5. Add any extra detail required in 2D - we add marking lines to show where
parts land, alignment notes etc.
6. Do "Save as" DWG or DXF
7. Open the drawing in AutoCAD and do any final checks / additions (we check
dimensions and delete any block references or other clutter)
8. Import to your nesting software and hope for the best!

Our nesting software (profilemaster) can read in a heap of parts in the same
file and split them up according to thickness- if yours can't, then you'll
have to set up a macro to create a "flat pattern" or "front" view for each
part and save it as a DXF with the part number as filename. Once you've got
the sequence dialled in, it's pretty quick - I've just done a 19m fishing
boat (1500+ flat plate parts) and it took an afternoon to export it ready
for nesting.
If you find a nesting package that ties in well with Solidworks, let me
know - it would be nice to get rid of this step as it quite prone to errors
and the nesting software can be fussy about reading in line data.
Hope this helps -
Cheers
Deri

 

I can understand why they don't want IGES files. IGES is the least
desireable way to import anything.

I'm curious to know what CAD/CAM systems the machines shops that you are
sending your work to have?

Most decent CAD/CAM systems should have no probem with a Parasolid file.

Some CNC controls can read in a .dxf and create a toolpath on it. I'm not
aware of any CNC control that can read in an IGES file.


jon

 

Jon,
What system are you using that can't handle an IGES file? I use and
have used quite a few systems and have never had problems with IGES.
Sometimes a surface may get dropped but rebuilding surfaces isn't
difficult at all, I usually build the entire models from scratch. IGES
is the legacy standard, IGES's place in file translation will always be
there. I realize that STL and several other formats are more trendy but
frankly, if a user can't machine a part from an IGES file, he may not
have much luck with other formats.

But what if the CAM program isn't Parasolid based?
How would you "fix" a corrupt x_t parasolid model?

Dxf is plain and simple 2D vector geometry, most likely an IGES file
would be a 3D part. CNC controls are not designed to read IGES files,
that is what the CAM package is a Gateway for doing.

There is something between the 2D DXF and 3D Models that you never
discuss, that being wireframe. Have you ever modeled or programmed from
wireframe?
Michael

--

Michael Gailey
Artistic CNC Mill, Router and Engraver Programming
3D modeling for Product Design and Development
http://www.microsystemsgeorgia.com/toc.htm

 

2D DXF & DWG are better, eh?

Like for waterjets or lasers from 2D data?

Do YOU have any? Automatic feeds, speeds, tooling, etc?

How about what you just suggested? ParaSolid IIRC. No
more 3dinkies or ACIS for you?

Why should they? IGES Is often 3D with surface data. That
often takes things like process planning, CNC programming
skills (you don't actually have any, do you?), tooling, a bit
of knowledge & skill .....

BTW, jb .... HOW do you convert a polyline to a
ParaSolid? Which translator?

LOL .....

 

<Sigh>
This is no fun.
Looks like Michael has a clue about jb.

 

Where did I say I / we can't handle IGES files ?

What I did say is that IGES is the worst way to transfer 3D data.
Others have basically implied or said the same. I believe both
BD and Bottlebob would prefer to deal with other formats besides
IGES. Anyone else wanna chime in here ?

What I would really enjoy doing is comparing Rhino to VX in regards
to fixing bad data. I have VX installed on this machine. Wanna start
talking about *specfic tools* and do a *real comparison* between the
two ?

The specifics would certainly make things much more interesting for me since
many know how much I enjoy direct comparisons. Would also
be nice if we had someone with SolidWorks who wants to talk specifics on
the tools that SolidWorks has for dealing with imported data.

Started with Cadkey (wireframe)

Used Ahslar's Vellum (wireframe)

Worked for the largest fineblanking companay in the U.S. teaching older
fineblanking tool designers how to use AutoCAD. Was head of CAD/CAM
systems for same company. Still have one of my business cards. Since
you know I trust you and since I'm still friends with one of the owners
would you like me to send you my old business card and would you
like to call him and ask him how much wireframe data I worked with
and why they put me in charge of CAD/CAM systems ?

jon

 

I have no problems with IGES. I've found that with the same object and the
same exporting program, sometimes STEP is better, sometimes IGES. I'm with
Michael on this one, if the IGES is really bad, it's unlikely the STEP or XT
will be much better.

Why do you want to compare apples with oranges? VX is a $10K integrated
CAD/CAM system, Rhino is an $895 universal surface modeler. VX is only
useful in mechanical and to some extent ID applications, Rhino is a "Swiss
Army Knife" type of program, being used by a huge variety of fields from
architecture to ID, jewelry, auto and boat design.

That being said, I'm willing to bet that, while in some situations, VX may
be able to apply *some* automatic tools to fix *some* common import problems
faster than Rhino, in Rhino I can fix pretty much *anything*, even the stuff
VX will refuse. It will just more time. Because Rhino is a surface modeler
with a plethora of tools for creating and editing individual surfaces, you
can get further into the guts of the surface problems than with virtually
any other modeling tool.

 

Oops, sorry, jb.
I probably misunderstood your intent on this one.

You clearly wanted them to dump any source of CAD
data (like a customer) that did not use a ParaSolid based
CAD system (NO ACIS for you, good boy!) and then
replace all their CNC controls & machines with ones
that automatically made magical parts from ParaSolid
files when the GREEN button was pushed.

I like it.

 

Prove it.

Email me a file you think that VX will not be able to
work with and let me see what I can do.


jon

 

Michael,

How about a response here in regards to the specifics I'm interested in
discussing on Rhino vs VX for working with bad data ?

BTW, do you think if "bigmouth" found a machine shop with a CAD/CAM system
that supported solids, it might be easier for him to send his solid model
and let the machine shop extract the wireframe info from the solid rather
than wasting his time and his shops time creating.dxf files ? :>)

jon

 

How much "bad data" did you make this time? With a demo? Of
a brick?

What happened to "Use DXF & DWG; It's the latest & greatest thing
since IGES"? (Hey, some ACIS systems can even make it, right?)

So NOW your sorry tune is to dump the machine shops that you
are usually so proud of (designers & engineers know nothing, right?)
AS WELL as dumping the CAD system and sending the NEW $$
machine shops solids instead of wireframe so that they can buy
($$) some new flavor of CAD system so as to extract the wireframe
from the new solids to do exactly the same thing?

When exporting as DXF is probably one mouse click now?

How much more $$ & time should everyone waste?

Are you still posting as "GibbsGod" anyplace?

LOL

 

You can also post the file at www.cadchat.com

CADChat has a brand new VX Web Forum that I requested.

It would be great to have Rhino users like yourself so that we might both
learn something about the different approaches.

Further, I don't have Rhino 4 WIP.

Besides, it's not like your going to see any real discussion of VX vs. Rhino
in the Rhino newsgroup. LOL

If Rhino can do some things better I'd like to know about it and I'm sure so
would others. Like I have said many times, I'm not a product loyalist.



Step up to true hybrid modeling where solid and surface tools
are truly transparent.

www.cadchat has established a web forum for VX at my request.

Joe Greco had this to say when he compared SolidWorks, SolidEdge and
Autodesk Inventor in this article published in January 2005:

http://manufacturing.cadalyst.com/manufacturing/article/articleDetail.jsp?id
=141036&pageID=4

"They all also lack integrated reverse engineering and manufacturing tools,
and while third-party vendors fill in here, none offers its own total
art-to-part solution. One program that does, VX CAD/CAM...."

Download VX and it's training manuals at:

www.vx.com

The downloadable VX training manuals cover:

Introductory Tutorial: 58 pages.

CAD Fundamentals: 530 pages.

Mold And Die: 156 pages.

Advanced Modeling: 125 pages.

CAM Fundamentals: 235 pages.

Quick Mill: 125 pages.

There is also a video overview of VX that shows some of
the incredible power of this product that can be downloaded
as well :

It's called VX QuickStart

After you have downloaded VX stop by www.cadchat and check out the
brand new VX Forum


jon

 

First you would have to use one.