Sheet Metal - single line cuts
Sheet Metal - single line cuts
(OP)
We have a lot of parts that have long cuts where the lines are about a tenth of an inch apart. The problem is when the laser goes over the first long cut, and then back along the second line, there is a lot of splatter, the metal gets too hot, and best case scenario is the laser stops cutting (worst case is the lense gets ruined).
To circumvent this problem, after we create our DXF for a given part, we open the DXF and delete the bottom (longer) line and then corner the two vertical lines with the top (shorter) line. The end result works great, but the process is very tedious, and must be done every time you change the part. I am always trying to eliminate parts of the design process that require modification to anything after the part has been created, and this is a big one for us.
I was curious if anyone else out there has ever run across this type of issue, or if anyone knows a good work around. I've tried making the two edges meet in the flat, but that creates two overlapping lines on the DXF. While that is easier to modify in the DXF, it doesn't really fix the problem.
The attached JPG shows the part in the flat state, and the DXF after I modified it. Also, I'm currently on 2009.
Thanks in advance,
Matt
To circumvent this problem, after we create our DXF for a given part, we open the DXF and delete the bottom (longer) line and then corner the two vertical lines with the top (shorter) line. The end result works great, but the process is very tedious, and must be done every time you change the part. I am always trying to eliminate parts of the design process that require modification to anything after the part has been created, and this is a big one for us.
I was curious if anyone else out there has ever run across this type of issue, or if anyone knows a good work around. I've tried making the two edges meet in the flat, but that creates two overlapping lines on the DXF. While that is easier to modify in the DXF, it doesn't really fix the problem.
The attached JPG shows the part in the flat state, and the DXF after I modified it. Also, I'm currently on 2009.
Thanks in advance,
Matt






RE: Sheet Metal - single line cuts
At the laser however, if you can cut with nitrogen rather than oxygen you will probably get better results.
regards, Diego
RE: Sheet Metal - single line cuts
We actually do cut using nitrogen as far as I know. Layering presents the same problems (and opens up an entire other issue we have as well) since you have to create the DXF first, then go into the DXF and edit the lines since you can't change the layers of edges in the drawing. I have tried hiding the edges, and drawing over them, which kind of works but is very susceptible to problems since the lines are still there if the part is modified.
Preferably, I want to eliminate modifying the DXF if at all possible. I figure that's highly unlikely, so the next best thing would be to have some sort of error catcher if the DXF remains unmodified. For example, when I made the part so the flange flattened flush to the edge, it created 2 overlapping lines which I hoped the laser software wouldn't be able to cut. Unfortunately, it doesn't catch them since it can actually form a path to cut both lines continuously.
RE: Sheet Metal - single line cuts
-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks
RE: Sheet Metal - single line cuts
RE: Sheet Metal - single line cuts
-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks
RE: Sheet Metal - single line cuts
RE: Sheet Metal - single line cuts
for example
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RE: Sheet Metal - single line cuts
Would the lines in question even be considered duplicate though? Duplicate to me would mean they are the same length and in the exact same location. These lines overlap, but are not duplicate because the one I want to use is longer than the one I would need to delete.