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AlbertafFlyer

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Hi, I have Atom and I'm wondering if it's possible to get a 3D sheetmetal part into a 2D sketch? I need to get a piece laser cut and formed and they only work in 2D.
 
I'm not sure about Atom but in Expert when you create a drawing of your 3D part there is a check box to project as a flat pattern, then you can export it as a DXF file.

Dave
 
Thanks, unfortunately I don't have that option. I'm wondering if someone could help me out and convert a few drawings to a flat pattern for me? Is that allowed or is it taboo? I usually only use Atom for 3D printing, but I have a few sheetmetal items I need done so I can get them laser cut and bent.
 
I'm sure someone on the forum will help out. I could but I got some odd results when I converted your butterfly valve to sheet metal and found part of the issue could be traced to the sketch. So I would caution you with some tips for the part sketches...
sketch tips.jpg

Also indicating if the part is mild steel, stainless, or aluminum (aluminium) would be helpful or at least nice to know.
 
Thanks for the tips. I'm fairly new to CAD and still learning. I didn't think the material thickness would matter as I'm only after the flat shape. 12ga. ss is .10937. I drew the inside dimensions first and then as they are the "critical" dimension then used the offset tool. What do the double dot's mean?
 
Be careful using the sketch Offset, it does not constrain the offset geometry and you have to manually apply any/all constraints to the offset figures. With out any constraints applied it is possible that some sketch figures can/will move as dimensions are applied.

I try to apply constraints in a particular order; Concentric offset arcs, Tangency between lines and arcs, Parallel and or Perpendicular lines - assuming the original lines are either Horizontal or Vertical. The main thing is to get the sketch fully constrained and analyzed for consistent offset distances.
 
AlbertafFlyer said:
Here's one of the items.
Click to expand...
JimCad said:
Read through this thread and install the latest version.
The download link is in the thread.
I think this is exactly what you need.
cadtec

Post in thread 'Sketch2DXF'

JimCad said:
Thanks.
I would like one where I could click the face of a model and export as .DXF
Click to expand...
It works in the latest version :-)
  • Like

Jim
Click to expand...
AlbertafFlyer said:
Here's one of the items.
Click to expand...
Hope this helps
 

Attachments

This is great! One more favour... can you put a "Bend Line" at the center of the radius. I tried to edit the dxf to put one in at the four locations, but it won't let me.
 
plaughter said:
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Just curious if you corrected any of the sketch issues before you created the STEP and DXF files.
From the sizes of the bend regions it appears not to have been done and could have an effect on the formed part final dimensions. :oops::confused:

It will be interesting to see how the part forms up.
1786071779625.png
 
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