Creating part from an ACad File.

[ryandias]

I have to repeatedly create parts from an ACad file.

I can generally make protrusions from the sketch but when i'm least expecting it Lines are on multiple layers of the sketch and end up with "Line over Line" and this causes errors with the protrusion selection.

I'm sure i am not conveying my point the best way but hopefully someone comprehends the crap i have just explained.

I have been Opening the ACAD drawing in a Drft file then Create 3d from the Tools Menu.

This imports a base sketch on my new part file and brings me to where i am presently.

I have had to pick lines individually thus far and have gotten sick of that approach.

Is there a more direct option to create the part files?

 

[fredericmenage]

Hi,

I don't have a miracle solution for you...

Have you tried to create another sketch in a coincident plane, use the 'include' command to pick the lines that you need (don't pick colinear segments) and then 'trim corner' to close the contour.

It wouldn't be faster but you would be more in control maybe...

HTH

Fred

 

[ryandias]

The big problem is.. as with my current technique. The Manual selection of each and every line. (i'm guessing like 250 squares made of 4 lines each. I very much prefer selection with "single" and just using fences. Unfortunately either way does not allow me to use these fences.

 

[fredericmenage]

Fence select is available with 'include' if you use 'single wireframe' as the select filter (at the top).

Also, fence select is available when using 'select from sketch' if you use the 'single' option.

Fred

 

[ryandias]

Another thing i was curious about is...
the ACAD drawings i start with are ultra detailed. A top side and bottom side of details for the part (PCB).

Is there away to import two sketches to one drawing? or turn on and off layers once in the part file?

 

[beachcomber]

You can turn layers on and off and generally sort out the problems you are having in the draft file first.
Personally I wouldn't use the Create3D command - I'd just copy and paste the stuff I really needed from the draft file into the part sketches.
I've also found that AutoCad drawings are really crap anyway - the views never line up etc.

bc

 

[Folke]

With larger sketches you could try relationship assistant
under tools>dimensions. Under options check the place geometric relationships and connect (the more types of relations you add the longer it has to calculate it) uncheck the place dimensions, and accept. -Then you select the area of the sketch you want to process and go...

Hope it can help somehow...

 

[onefjef]

I encounter similar problems porting autocad files. I also follow the autocad to draft, copy and paste into sketch method. In sketch: pick include, then change the select method to wireframe chain. At least you don't have to pick every element.

BTW, why doesn't SE allow wireframe chain picks in all selections where possible?

 

[Folke]

Onefjef: it doesent allow it because the lines are not connected when converted from Autocad.

-maybe the converter should allow one to choose to connect lines. -But it could be tricky since autocad lines are not connected to start with... -But it sure could be helpful (and I could grow hair again...)

 

[onefjef]

The ALFACam software that I use to program our companies laser cutter allows you to set the connect tolerance of elements when porting in. This could be useful in SE.

Also, good luck with the hair.

Jef