Sheet Metal - Using Legacy Flat Data

Many times we need to use existing 2D data to create 3D folded models within Autodesk Inventor. This data may be living in a dwg or dxf file format. This blog consist of the steps and video that speaks of some of your options when importing this data and creating the 3D model itself.
Steps used for using legacy flat data:
1.Start new sheet metal part, start the insert AutoCAD tool
2.Select dxf or dwg file
3.Select import options
4.Clean-up imported geometry trim and extend tools
5.Finish Sketch
6.Select Sheet Metal rule to be used
7.Use Face tool, select geometry
8.Create new sketch where needed project bend lines
9.Use fold tool to bend selected areas
10.Continue steps 8 and 9 until your part is completely folded

Video link:
http://www.screencast.com/t/ZDZiYmU1MGUt
Created by one of the Cad Geeks

Export your FACE to a DXF file

I was out at a customers site this past week showing off Inventor.
They were all into the great tools when I got asked about making parts from CNC.
"Our software doesn't handle 3D solids yet." "How do we make a DXF file from a 3D part?"

Well I am here to tell you it is very easy to do and you can use your ACAD to do any layer changes that are required by your CNC software.

Check out my video here:

Enjoy,

Jim......Another INCAT CAD Geek!

Sheet metal to DXF for burning

I have a lot of sheet metal parts to get made and I keep saving out my IDW as a DWG and creating a DXF after I clean up the profile in ACAD, isn't there a faster way to get this done?

I get this question a lot. The answer is yes there is. If you are using Inventor to design your sheet metal parts you can use the flat pattern to generate a cleaned up dxf with layer mapping.

Check out this quick video on how its done.

http://www.screencast.com/t/FLB7TvT8

Keep crankin' out the parts!

Jim

Another one of the INCAT CAD Geeks!