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Parametric software for single parts

5/27/18       
Mike Hoffer  Member

Website: http://www.carolinaclosetsplus.com

I need some help finding a software program that will export dxf files into enroute. I don't need a full cabinet system. I already have that but it won't create parametric 2d odd parts that I need. Thanks for any help. Mike

5/27/18       #2: Parametric software for single part ...
Bill

I call the guys at CAD Code.

5/28/18       #3: Parametric software for single part ...
Mike Hoffer  Member

Website: http://www.carolinaclosetsplus.com

Thanks Bill. I already sent an email over. I'll see if I get something back.

5/28/18       #4: Parametric software for single part ...
Pat Gilbert

How would be hard pressed to find a program that will not do that.

5/28/18       #5: Parametric software for single part ...
Richard

Hi Mike,

I agree with Pat I think there are many CAD programs that would allow you to add parametric constraints & relationships. The most obvious name being AutoCAD. There are probably even some free ones.

Assuming you have the ATP module for Enroute then it will be very easy once you have assigned layers to your 2D parts.

Good luck.

Richard

5/29/18       #6: Parametric software for single part ...
Peter Matos Member

Fusion 360 can do that....

5/29/18       #7: Parametric software for single part ...
Pat Gilbert

I missed the paramedic part, why do you want to do that?

There are global parametrics and individual part parametrics.

Global = cabinet programs

part = solidworks or similiar

At a part level parametrics get in the way more than they help.

Ashlar Vellum or one of the offshoots does this but it imports poorly into Enroute.

The advantage to parametric is making changes to existing models/cabinets

If they are one offs there is no advantage.

5/29/18       #8: Parametric software for single part ...
Mike Hoffer  Member

Website: http://www.carolinaclosetsplus.com

thanks for all the responses. i currently use woodwop but .mpr files won't import into enroute so i'm looking for another solution. these are all parts that i typically change the height and width but no other characteristics. it looks like cad code will do it. i just don't need a complete cad program because i already have a s2m program.

5/29/18       #9: Parametric software for single part ...
Pat Gilbert

Doesn't Woodwop use blocks?

5/29/18       #10: Parametric software for single part ...
Richard

Hi Mike,

Never tried this software before but it looks like it will create parametric DXF files that you could import into Enroute. It's open source so it's free. Obviously I have no idea on what the learning curve would be nor what your CAD expertise is.

Perhaps you could post some of the parts you plan to create? Because Pat maybe right about parametric constraints. Depending on the parts you maybe be able to build a library of parts and get by modifying by stretching to adjust the size. I do this all the time in Draftsight (Also free but no parametric features) for things that don't really require constraints.

Also what Cabinet program are you using? Are you sure it's not possible to stand alone parts with it?

Richard

5/29/18       #11: Parametric software for single part ...
Richard

Sorry. Forgot the link:

http://solvespace.com/index.pl

5/30/18       #12: Parametric software for single part ...
Mike Hoffer  Member

Website: http://www.carolinaclosetsplus.com

Thanks Richard. I have kcd s2m but am going to be using enroute for my onsrud router. Enroute can't create parametric parts. I've posted some examples. I need to be able to change basic dimensions like width, height, add another row of holes, etc. Nothing complicated but i need a program that will create the part and export as a dxf that enroute can import. All my files now are .mpr from woodwop. I'm talking with cad code to see if they can help. Since i have s2m, I only need to make special parts that my software doesn't create. Hope this makes sense. I really appreciate all the help. Mike


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5/30/18       #13: Parametric software for single part ...
Dan

You have KCD, but the software does not have the ability to create a single part cabinet? In other words, create a single part driven by parameters. Is that correct.

Are you looking for a simple dxf to import into Enroute, and then add the machining inside of Enroute. Or a layered DXF where all layers are read and machining is assigned.

If it is a basic DXF then most cad programs have that ability though the parametric side will limit options.

- AutoCad can do 2d Parametric drawings and export a DXF file.
- Autodesk Fusion you can create a parametric part and export a DXF file.

There are other CAM programs which can make parametric parts yet you mentioned you already have EnRoute.

5/31/18       #14: Parametric software for single part ...
Richard

Hello Mike,

I assume that your adjustments too these parts would consist of adjusting the height and depth of the end panel and the depth & width of the corner bottom? If so you could probably change these pretty fast even without any parametric functions. In which case there's a number of free CAD programs you could use. I use Draftsight but there are others.

If I get time I will make a quick video of my procedure. Do I have the right concept for adjustments you would make?

5/31/18       #15: Parametric software for single part ...
Mike Hoffer  Member

Website: http://www.carolinaclosetsplus.com

Yes, Richard you are correct. Look forward to seeing what you have when you have time. Really appreciate it.

6/4/18       #16: Parametric software for single part ...
Gary Balcom

Mike,

Are you running a Weeke or Homag machine? It seems like you are, being your using WoodWop.

If so, I can't imagine why anyone would want to go back into a CAD program, and Enroute for EACH and every part. WoodWOP is fantastic for making parametric single parts. The real beauty is your operator can change the variables of the program, at the controller to adjust for width, height, depth, etc. Whatever you need adjusted, you can program into a .mpr file.

At the next level, would indeed be something like Microvellum, or perhaps others, where you can create a parametric item in the office, and create static barcodes & programs for specific parts, jobs, etc. Very easily and fast once the legwork is done. But, it depends on your goals.

Anything else is going to cause extra work you don't need to do.

6/4/18       #17: Parametric software for single part ...
Pat Gilbert

Gary, Mike said he is using an Onsrud.

He also said he uses Woodwop which I thought means Weeke?

6/4/18       #18: Parametric software for single part ...
Mike Hoffer  Member

Website: http://www.carolinaclosetsplus.com

I currently have a weeke but am switching to an onsrud. So, i currently use woodwop but won't be able to going forward. Woodwop is hit or miss when exporting the files into something other software can use. I only use woodwop for special parts i need. I am talking with CADCODE to use their full blown software but i really just need something that can export dxf files that are usable by other programs like enroute. Thanks for all the help.

6/5/18       #19: Parametric software for single part ...
Richard

Hi Mike,

Sorry it's taken a while to get to this.

Here is a link to a video that shows my process for modifying simple 2D parts then nesting with Enroute

https://1drv.ms/v/s!AiMi1nnoLYzx2DT9pXD-0gYictn7

I left out the steps of creating the orginial DXF as that would be required even if you decide to create parametric parts.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions or if you need to see anything further.

Richard

Video

6/10/18       #20: Parametric software for single part ...
JDS

You could look at fusion 360. It’s not very expensive and you can create parametric designs using variables. It even has a cam option available. It is a full on modeling program so there are a lot of features.

Autodesk is the producer of fusion 360.


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