DXF to g code - 3rd dimension

[spaltiel]

Hi everyone,

I'm having problem with converting designs from Solidworks to g code.
I can't get the 3rd dimension. When I export the file to DXF format I need to select the orientation for the export so I choose top. Than, I load the DXF file into Cambam and I get 2D surface and all the height differences disappeared.
Can someone give me an advice what should I do in order to save the height differences?
I am rookie in this area and I'm pretty sure that some thing which I do is incorrect.

Thanks,
Amir

[ger21]

Solidworks exports .dxf files as 2D drawings. If you want to import a 3D model into CAMBAM, try exporting an .stl of your model from Solidworks.

[spaltiel]

Originally Posted by ger21 Solidworks exports .dxf files as 2D drawings. If you want to import a 3D model into CAMBAM, try exporting an .stl of your model from Solidworks.

Thanks.

I tried to load STL into Cambam which I export from Solidworks, however, it looks weird.
I attached 3 images: 1 and 2 are what I see in CAMBAM after loading .STL file and image 3 is what I created in SolidWorks (which I export to .STL).
I don't know what is wrong?

Amir

[ger21]

I've never used Cambam, but I think if you can rotate the view, it'll look the same. I think that you're just not seeing the details in the straight on views.

[spaltiel]

Originally Posted by ger21 I've never used Cambam, but I think if you can rotate the view, it'll look the same. I think that you're just not seeing the details in the straight on views.

Which software do you use?

[ger21]

Originally Posted by spaltiel Which software do you use?

For most 3D stuff, I use MeshCAM. For 2.5D, I use AutoCAD with a macro I wrote that exports g-code. I also have Aspire, which can do most of what the other 2 can.

For a part like that, it would be far more efficient to use the 2D .dxf file. A series of profile cuts will give you want youwant. If you use the .stl file, it'll go back and forth over the entire part, and take much longer to cut.

[spaltiel]

Originally Posted by ger21 For most 3D stuff, I use MeshCAM. For 2.5D, I use AutoCAD with a macro I wrote that exports g-code. I also have Aspire, which can do most of what the other 2 can. For a part like that, it would be far more efficient to use the 2D .dxf file. A series of profile cuts will give you want youwant. If you use the .stl file, it'll go back and forth over the entire part, and take much longer to cut.

I have tried to download MeshCAM but it did not send my the registration key. I used the part in the images to learn how to control some program in order to convert parts from CAD to g code. I use simple part because it is more easy for me to learn this way.

BTW you were correct I manged finally to rotate the part inside CAMBAM and indeed it is there.