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Autocad 3D to 2D / CNC

7/27/16       
Jack  Member

Is anyone here using autocad 3D with a CNC? I'm just starting to use it myself (I've been using 2D for the past 3 years) and I'm really impressed.

The problem is the workflow I'm using isn't very efficient.

At the moment I'm taking a 2D drawing (Front elevation, plan etc) then making 2D CNC parts THEN making those parts 3D. This gives me an accurate 3D model of what I'll be making but the process is backwards.

Preferably I'd like to make a 3D model with all machining data in it then extract the parts (making them 2D) then apply toolpaths in our CAM software. This part is key and its the main part that is holding me back, the CNC parts MUST be 2D for our CAM software. It simply will not use 3D.

So does anyone know an automated way of taking a 3D solid, lay it flat (World UCS X-Y plane) then make 2D lines for the CAM software.

I know one way but its time consuming and doesn't always work - Take 3D solid, '3DRotate / move' to X-Y plane, use 'Flatshot' to make 2D block, 'Explode', 'Overkill' to remove duplicated lines and finally use 'Pedit-Join' to connect lines. Of course after all this you would have to extend dados and add corner drilling etc...

7/27/16       #2: Autocad 3D to 2D / CNC ...
Pat Gilbert

You can do it with an Auto Cad add on called Smartlister.

Email me and I will give you the contact info.

7/28/16       #3: Autocad 3D to 2D / CNC ...
Gary Balcom

Jack,

after your flatshot, try using boundary instead...It will create a closed polyline along the perimeter of the boundary based on your pick points. Also, look into section plane commands.

Other than that, look at something like Microvellum.

8/6/16       #4: Autocad 3D to 2D / CNC ...
david wishengrad

Hi Jack,

The software Pat mentions is a product that I made with the help of many people.

Pat has a few bugs in his software from me. I thought it was user error, but it's not. Repairs are hopefully coming, somehow, for complex compound mitered shapes that produce and error when trying be laid flat. This had not been an issue for a long time, but with Autodesk's changes to the AutoCAD kernel this problem has appeared. I need to look at that code with the test files others have sent me and see what I can do.

I don't actively sell software these days. I work a job similar to yours.

I hear RouterCim has a few automated things that could also work and it wouldn't surprise me of CADcode didn't have something that could fit your needs. AutoCAD could be overkill for what you do or really not the best fit.

Whereas AutoCAD might work for you, other things might work better, but that's another topic.

Keep an open mind, but stay focused on how it is you get paid and what particulars your company must meet.

Done, done, on to the next one.

When your parts blow out fast, it's cool, but you still have to know how to toolpath by hand for special items, so it's a good thing you do know how.

Take care,
David

8/18/16       #5: Autocad 3D to 2D / CNC ...
rich

I have used Netfabb to slice a part, export it back as STL and draw boundary. Free product. Works great.

9/1/16       #6: Autocad 3D to 2D / CNC ...
Jim

Website: http://renderlink.com

You might try SketchUp, its great for geometric modeling, fun and easy to learn and use. The free version works like the pro version for 30 days. Difference is pro can import and export dwg & dxf files. After the 30 day trial that option goes away until you pay (or find another computer to install it on). There are a lot of tutorials on "how to's". Its ideal for modeling joinery as well. The link is to a plug-in to create cut lists. Basically you'll model the parts - the trick is to make the parts into components (simple, select the part, rt click, create component, name it) as parts that are not in groups or components will WELD themselves together. The Cut List plug-in will help manage components. Good luck, let me know if this work out for you, Cheers, Jim E

SketchUp Cut List

9/1/16       #7: Autocad 3D to 2D / CNC ...
Pat Gilbert

Sounds like they are to Sketchup what Smartlister is to Auto Cad.

I don't believe that it will export parts the way Smartlister will though. As Smartlister lays the part parallel to all of the axises with the correct side for machining up.
If you have to do this by hand it would be a real PIA.

9/2/16       #8: Autocad 3D to 2D / CNC ...
David Wishengrad

Yes Jim, they do have a cut list ruby script for Sketchup. I did a 1 second edit of their source code, after spending 2 mins. reading it, to make it work. They were sorting the correct values returned of the bounding box from biggest to smallest as always being length, bigger than width and width bigger than thickness, which is, incorrect. The whole purpose of using the software in the first place is the correct cut list at the end. lol. If you code still has the bubble sort routine of the returned bounding box values in it, just comment that bubble sort out in the source. :)

Keep in mind that the parts hold their orientation based on the direction they are drawn originally. Gaming engines always stamp everything with a 3D matrix.

AutoCAD has to have that added with third party code. It is quite involved going back after the fact and adding them.

10/16/16       #9: Autocad 3D to 2D / CNC ...
pete

if you need AutocAD 2017 then message me


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