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kramarao1-Visitor
1-Visitor
April 19, 2012
Solved

Creating DXF's directly from CAD Models

  • April 19, 2012
  • 3 replies
  • 28520 views

We are seriously looking in to 3D Annotations(Model based Definitions) on the 3D cad models, specially parts. Having gone a fair way in setting up the templates with what ever available in Pro/E Wildfire 5.0 (M200), realised that DXF profile generation on Sheetmetal Developed views are not possible in the part mode. That functionality is only available in the drawing. After contacting PTC support and getting a "NO" answer, ended up doing a mapkey to automatically create a temporary drawing, generate the DXF profile and erase the drawing from session.

Just wondering whether others are also having similar issues and how they are getting around the issue?

 

Cheers

Kashyap


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Best answer by BrianMartin

Hi Kashyap...

I believe most users would surmise that to extract a 2D format file (like DXF) from Pro/ENGINEER, you'll have to create a drawing. This seems reasonable given that Pro/ENGINEER is a 3D modeling package and you're forcing it to collapse all of that information down into a 2D view for a DXF. So... I don't think this points to a lack of functionality in Pro/ENGINEER. Of course, this doesn't solve your problem... you still need that file for your fabrication team.

Under the circumstances, if you've managed to create a mapkey to generate the required view, export it, and erase the temporary drawing, I think you've found a great solution. Take that mapkey and make a nice custom icon for it. Apply the mapkey and icon... and drag the mapkey into your screen menus. In this way, everyone can "print" a quick DXF just by clicking an icon on the desktop. The icon simply runs your mapkey.

I think this is a really nice solution and I wouldn't necessarily waste any time trying to find something "better". You could write a J-Link or Toolkit application... but why? Your mapkey already does the same thing and it works without spending any additional money to develop another solution.

As a side note... I tried a different method of creating a DXF before I wrote this response. I went into Creo View 1.0 (which will read all Wildfire 5 models). I added a cross-section and turned on the "2D" option. I was able to save the 2D cross section as a DXF without even having to launch Pro/ENGINEER at all.

For a completely FLAT sheet metal model, you could totally use Creo View to create your DXF without ever creating a temp drawing and without requiring a mapkey.

Still, I think your best option is to stick with what you have. Creo View did a nice job... but why enter Creo View just to make your DXF when you already have it working native from Pro/E?

Good job with the mapkey... and good luck! I think you answered your own question!

Regards,

-Brian

3 replies

J
JOHNQ1-Visitor
1-Visitor
April 20, 2012

DXF (Drawing Interchange Format, or Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.

DXF in the CAD world is just a drawing to other programs. It was like developed in 1980's by AutoCad just for transfer drawings of autocad to other Cad programs.

Sounds like you want to exchange an Actual Model which is impossible. I am wondering what exactly your looking for as a end result.

John

D
dschenken1-Visitor
1-Visitor
April 2, 2014

DXF Supports 3D entities. Search for "DXF Reference - Autodesk" The version I've found is for AutoCAD 2008.

B
BrianMartin13-AquamarineAnswer
13-Aquamarine
April 20, 2012

Hi Kashyap...

I believe most users would surmise that to extract a 2D format file (like DXF) from Pro/ENGINEER, you'll have to create a drawing. This seems reasonable given that Pro/ENGINEER is a 3D modeling package and you're forcing it to collapse all of that information down into a 2D view for a DXF. So... I don't think this points to a lack of functionality in Pro/ENGINEER. Of course, this doesn't solve your problem... you still need that file for your fabrication team.

Under the circumstances, if you've managed to create a mapkey to generate the required view, export it, and erase the temporary drawing, I think you've found a great solution. Take that mapkey and make a nice custom icon for it. Apply the mapkey and icon... and drag the mapkey into your screen menus. In this way, everyone can "print" a quick DXF just by clicking an icon on the desktop. The icon simply runs your mapkey.

I think this is a really nice solution and I wouldn't necessarily waste any time trying to find something "better". You could write a J-Link or Toolkit application... but why? Your mapkey already does the same thing and it works without spending any additional money to develop another solution.

As a side note... I tried a different method of creating a DXF before I wrote this response. I went into Creo View 1.0 (which will read all Wildfire 5 models). I added a cross-section and turned on the "2D" option. I was able to save the 2D cross section as a DXF without even having to launch Pro/ENGINEER at all.

For a completely FLAT sheet metal model, you could totally use Creo View to create your DXF without ever creating a temp drawing and without requiring a mapkey.

Still, I think your best option is to stick with what you have. Creo View did a nice job... but why enter Creo View just to make your DXF when you already have it working native from Pro/E?

Good job with the mapkey... and good luck! I think you answered your own question!

Regards,

-Brian

    K
    kramarao1-VisitorAuthor
    1-Visitor
    April 22, 2012

    Very Useful info.

    I will give it a try in Creo 1.0 when I get our licenses updated !

    Thanks

    Kashyap

    B
    BrianMartin13-Aquamarine
    13-Aquamarine
    April 22, 2012

    Hi Kashyap...

    I was actually talking about Creo VIEW 1.0, not regular "Creo 1.0" (also known as Creo Parametric 1.0).

    Creo VIEW can be used now... even before you upgrade to Creo Parametric. Because Creo View can read all legacy Pro/ENGINEER files, you can try it out now without having to upgrade the rest of your system. Of course, licensing for Creo View is separate from the rest of Creo. A standard license does cost additional over and above your Creo Parametric license. There's a free version of Creo View (called Creo View Express)that you can download and try. It probably doesn't have the DXF output option, though.

    Thanks...

    -Brian

    K
    KevinBradberry1-Visitor
    1-Visitor
    April 20, 2012

    I'm probably confused because I'm sheetmetal illiterate, but I don't understand the goal here. You want to create 3D Annotations so why are you worried about exporting DXF. How will that help you create the annotations that you desire?

    K
    kramarao1-VisitorAuthor
    1-Visitor
    April 22, 2012

    Hi Kevin,

    Idea of 3D annotating the models------ are to save 2D drawings, there by saving cost to the company in creating/managing additional models

    Idea of exporting DXF is to convey outer profile information of the sheet parts for the LASER to cut. Presently DXF can go only from drawings, not directly from models. If we have to do drawings to service this, then the original intent of 3D annotating to save the process defeats.

    Kash

    K
    KevinBradberry1-Visitor
    1-Visitor
    April 22, 2012

    Hey Kashyap,

    I understand the logic, now. Thanks for that.

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