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Thread: DXF to g code - 3rd dimension

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    DXF to g code - 3rd dimension

    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


  2. #2
    Community Moderator ger21's Avatar
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    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.
    Gerry

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://home.comcast.net/~cncwoodworker/2010.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


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    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    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
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails DXF to g code - 3rd dimension-1.jpg   DXF to g code - 3rd dimension-2.jpg   DXF to g code - 3rd dimension-3.jpg  


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    Community Moderator ger21's Avatar
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    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.
    Gerry

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://home.comcast.net/~cncwoodworker/2010.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


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    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    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?


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    Community Moderator ger21's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by spaltiel View Post
    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.
    Gerry

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://home.comcast.net/~cncwoodworker/2010.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


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    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    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.


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