SOLIDWORKS Design & Help

Which software do you use and which format are the files in?

I hope this isn't a joke. "Zip" refers to a compressed file that can contain multiple files. To access its contents, you simply need to decompress it.

I'm using solidworks I've decompressed it and managed to open it via solidworks and I can see the assembly. I now need to save every component as a dxf file

No it's not a joke I'm stuck with this one. I've managed to decompress and open it using solid works,.the assembly has 1449 components which I wanna convert to dxf for laser cutting

No it's not a joke I'm stuck with this one. I've managed to decompress and open it using solid works,.the assembly has 1449 components which I wanna convert to dxf for laser cutting

Solidworks 2018

There's no option to save bodies or save as dxf file I've managed to open it

From the assembly, open each part individually (select them i.e. via the FeatureManager Design tree), then click 'Save as' and select Dxf (*.dxf) from the 'Save as' pull-down menu, I presume?

Yes, this is the method, but first, part after part have to make an M1:1 drawing about the necessary cutting plan (without scaling of course) and these dwg save as dxf.

Tried the approach you suggested it doesn't give the dxf option or I missed a step? I opened it individually then tried to 'save as' but there's no dxf option

And the bended plate parts need to unbend (develop to plane) first.

Laser cutting is going to require a 2D DXF. You have a bunch of 3D solid parts.

1. You must open each 3D part individually
2. Create a 2D detail drawing of each one with a profile that you desire for laser cutting.
3. Export each detail as a DXF.

You have a lot of parts. It’s going to take a lot of work. There is no other method. I strongly suggest you get with the laser cutter programmer and discuss his needs. You don’t want to do this twice. Just any 2D drawing view of the 3D parts won’t work. It must be specific to the task.

Thank you it worked after trying this out

Thank you it worked. I will use this method

There is a save as dxf option in my SolidWorks 2022 version.

Just a thought: why not save the part as step (AP214) file? Most (modern) laser cutter tools are very wel capable to create a 2D flat pattern cutting program out of a 3D step file

That means you have plenty of work to do. Lucky man! 😊

Really? It is new for me. This is fascinating!

To save a drawing as a "dxf" file, you can only save the drawing itself and not the entire part. If the part is bent, you will need to create a flat sheet first, then draw it and save it as a "dxf" file. That's all there is to it.

You have to develop each components so you can save dxf

you could simply isolate each part and save as a display state, when doing the drawings, choose the appropriate display state and make your drawing, however if the parts are folded at all you will have to reverse engineer the part to get the flat pattern.

Having had lasers, plasma and turret punches as part of my job, before I retired, the person who sent you this has done a poor job. The first thing to consider, there is no simple and quick way to turn a file that is a completed assembly into all of the individual dxf files of all the parts ready to be cut out on a laser. Establishing who is going to do this required work and pay for it, is the first thing you need to sort, before you start. Someone receiving a large bill for laser cutting, never goes down well. The normal practice when sending out to have parts laser cut, is to send the dxf files ready to go. If you have a quick look at this project from my profile https://grabcad.com/library/tool-cabinet-trolley-1 there is the model, drgs, dxf files in a zip file. Inside the zipped dxf file there are also pdf sheets with details of each part required. It is the zipped dxf file that I would send off to the sub contractor.

I have never come across any software that will even take a solid works part and with a few mouse clicks turn it into a laser ready dxf file, there is always a bit of work to do. That is why, before you start, who will pay for this needs to be sorted. At least you have the solid works software available if it is decided that it will be you who will be paid to do this work.

I am assuming that you work for the company that operates the laser cutting equipment. The dxf files are created from 2D profiles lifted from the drgs or faces normally. The easiest and quickest way to do this varies between inventor, solid works, or any other software you may be using. The important thing is to check that the dxf files come out at a scale of 1:1 If thes are made from the 2D drgs the scale of the actual drawing view, may not be at 1:1. The units setting if not the same on your machine and the one that the parts were produced on can also cause problems so it always pays, before the machine turns out any parts the DXF's are coming out the correct size.

That is true I normally receive files as 2d dxfs to make it easy but unfortunately with this specific client I was required to go through this

Win+shift+s next time please