Creating dxf solid models

[sixmillionways]

Hi, I have been requested to supply a 3D solid dxf model to a supplier so that they can use it for their cnc machining but Solidworks (2008 version) does not seem to be able to 'save as' dxf (except for drawings).

Is there a way of doing this? I downloaded an application from a French company but that was not compatible with 2008 version, and I cannot seem to find any more information on the internet...

 

[SincoTC]

I'm not a great fan of DXF for non "drawing" work and have only used it with CNC data to tranfer simple 2D sheet metal flat patterns and even then you have to be cautious it doesn't get unintentionally scaled by the user. I find that most CNC CAM systems can accept Parasolid, STEP or IGES, so I'd be inclined to get back to them and ask what they can take.

Trevor Clarke. (R & D) Scientific Instruments.Somerset. UK

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[sixmillionways]

Hi Trevor,

Thanks for the reply. It seems strange to me too that they would request this format (as you say, x_t, step or iges are usually fine) but they have specifically requested dxf, stating that it is what they are used to using...

 

[josephv]

Do you have a seat of AutoCAD?

You could export an ACIS (*.SAT) file from SolidWorks into AutoCAD and then save it as a 3D DXF.

 

[TheTick]

Sounds like a vendor worth replacing.

 

[sixmillionways]

Update:

I emailed Atemi in France and they sent me a plug in which works with Solidworks 2008 and creates a simply button that exports the selected model to dxf.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I would forget the plug-in and pull the plug-out on that vendor. Find a vendor that can work with native SolidWorks files or, at the very least, parasolids. Any time a conversion utility is used, errors can be introduced.

 

[TheTick]

Never send native CAD to a vendor. The only exception to that rule is if you have lost your mind.

 

[sixmillionways]

It is for a special test piece only. The vendor is a long standing and reliable supplier to our company - they just don't usually need any files from us hence I have not come across this problem before with them.

I am fully aware that a supplier who does not accept a variety of model formats is not a good thing but in this case I do not have a choice.

 

[GBor]

Perhaps I'm off here, but the .dxf format is for lines and arcs...very primitive. It can place endpoints in 3D, but unless something has changed in the last year or so, it doesn't retain any "solid" information, so to request 3D solid dxf is impossible.

 

[sixmillionways]

Hmmm, after viewing the monstrosity that my plugin created I would tend to agree with you.

 

[TheTick]

Time to talk w/ your vendor. Don't talk to sales rep, talk to chief CAM user. Find what program they use and what it accepts.

Chances are vendor doesn't have a clue about what they can accept and use. Usually this is a sales rep/customer service issue.

Be sure to express grave concern about vendor's special-olympics caliber technology.

 

[ctopher]

I only use DXF as a last resort...if nothing else works. It also works for artwork suppliers. You can use 3D DXF within AutoCAD, but you can't export 3D DXF from a solid.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 06/08
ctopher's home (updated Jul 02, 2008)

 

[uGlay]

STEP, IGES and XT are the only formats I use for manufacturing of 3D parts. DXF i have only used for 2D drawings and outlines.

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