Export Unfolded Part
The Export unfolded part tool is a very convenient command for exporting sheets metal part to dxf or dwg files.
It is possible to export a single sheet metal, a selection of sheet metal or all the sheets metal of the scene.
Operativity
- to export a single sheet metal, drop the tool on the sheet to export.
- to export a selection of sheets metal, first select the sheets, then drop the tool into the scene.
- to export all sheets metal, drop the tool into the scene.
When exporting a selection or all sheets, make sure you have assigned different PartName or PartNumber for each sheet, in case there are multiple sheets with same PartName and PartNumber only the first one will be exported.
After releasing the tool, a dialog box with optins appears, this is divided into three areas:
- Export in the Folder: where and how to export the file.
- Drawing Settings: the format you prefer for export, how to construct the filename and if you want to create an ICD drawing in addition to a DXF/DWG file (the template file is in ../ICMechanical/Templates/Drawing/ UnfoldTemplateEmpty.icd).
We suggest to set the Export BSpline as Arcs, only in the case that it’s required by the CNC system. In all other cases, keeping the Export BSpline as Arcs unchecked will ensure that the geometry will be exported correctly. Please verify the exported file before to deliver it, in the case that you check the Export BSpline as Arcs option.
- Drawing Options: how and what to write in the DXF/DWG file (these options are not available if you choose Create ICD env.)
Elaborate Parallel Faces is useful if there are particular processes such as Counterbore Holes, Dimple, Lance, Semi-Pierce Protrusion…
If the element is mirrored, the char M is added to the end of the exported file name. This is done in order to be sure that two parts having the same informations (PartName, PartNumber, Material etc.) but with different mirror state, are both exported to DXF/DWG.
You can set the default parameters in the Utils tab of the global settings Configuration; and you can also set the Templates folder in the General tab.
In the ..\Templates\Drawing folder are the files for the settings and templates used by the application:
BendNames.iniThis file contains the variables for the label names for Bend up and down.
BendStyles.iniThis file contains the variables for setting styles for Layers, Colors and Lines.
ExportFaceDimStyle.iniThis file contains some DXF variables that you can set. As example, it’s possible to change the DecimalPlace, the TextHeight, the TextAlignement and other variables related to DXF. This file is used when you export directly the parts to the DXF.
UnfoldDimStyle.iniThis file is similar to the previous and it’s used when you export the parts using an icd file
UnfoldTemplateEmpty.icdIs the template used to export unfolded parts using the icd file
DXFTemplate.dxfIs used by the Get Coordinates tool. This is a standard DXF file that can be modified for the customer purposed. We use it when the coordinates get from the model are to be exported in DXF.