Howdy. I've been using Camworks to do our University's 3 axis work for about 9 months now. We recently acquired a 3 axis router.

Is there an easy (fast) way to import a 2D dxf of a profile, specify a tool offset and direction, and depth? I'm trying to cut sheetmetal parts, balsa wood, thin plastics, etc, and don't need any pocketing.

This operation was absolutely simple to do in MasterCAM, and I'm hoping Camworks can come through...

Howey too.

Have the DXF file scaled correctly before you import, you can do this with Drawing Editor. In Solidworks start a new drawing; select a plane; on the toolbar:INSERT|DXF/DWG, choose your file.

Close the imported sketch, to preserve, select same plane, start a new sketch and convert the entites of your choice, use like any sketch.

Large DXF/DWG files can slow the system down, native sketches work better, especially in Camworks.

TM

I can get the DXF into Solidworks without a problem. The crux of my question is regarding the ability of Camworks to function in 2D. For example...

Attached is a screenshot of a profile I'd like to cut. It is a drawing of an airplane wing rib. Note that there are gaps along the top and bottom profile. I'd like to be able to tell Camworks to cut along the outside of the line specified without using anything other than a 2D drawing.

Using the 2.5 Axis commands I can use the "curve feature" option to create a toolpath, but it has no tool offset.

I can't use any other feature without creating a solid model. Any ideas?

I can get the DXF into Solidworks without a problem. The crux of my question is regarding the ability of Camworks to function in 2D. For example...

Attached is a screenshot of a profile I'd like to cut. It is a drawing of an airplane wing rib. Note that there are gaps along the top and bottom profile. I'd like to be able to tell Camworks to cut along the outside of the line specified without using anything other than a 2D drawing.

Using the 2.5 Axis commands I can use the "curve feature" option to create a toolpath, but it has no tool offset.

I can't use any other feature without creating a solid model. Any ideas?


Camworks works with Solidworks, it expects a solid.
But you can offset your sketch entities 1/2 the diameter of the cutter and use the engrave feature. No you won't be able to use cutter comp with the engrave feature. Why not create a solid of the stock you are using, place the dxf on it and use the curve feature, it should come closer to working the way you want. Plus, you can simulate the cutting.

TM

You do not need a solid part to have CAMWorks work. I use just sketches all the time. You may need to create seperate sketches for each of the individual profiles though.

Just use open profiles for each of the sections and a pocket feature for the inner cutout. You can "simulate" the engrave feature by making the stock allowance -1/2 the diameter of the endmill. Hope this helps.

Jeff Lange

Sure can. A dxf import will post no problem, no solid needed.

I was about to backplot a test file, didn't make sence to since Camworks could do it.


TM