Workflow for CNC

ben_partouch

Hello,
Is there a recommended workflow, maybe with the use of feature script to prepare files for CNC milling? (I'm already using Autolayout). 
The problem I'm facing is with exporting 2D DXF files- The lines are not jointed/welded. Also Need to manually select all the geometry which gets very time consuming with many parts over multiple sheets of material.

Thank you

MichaelPascoe

This may be out of your scope, but you could try using some CAM software that utilizes solid models instead of drawings: Hypermill, Mastercam. Some of the apps in the app store are "connected" to Onshape. I will admit, none of them are any good. I have not found a "Onshape CAM Studio" yet.

S1mon

I hesitate to mention this, but if all you need to do is fix up the DXF files, Ares Kudo (in the Onshape app store) might be able to do it. I was never an AutoCAD user, so I feel like a fish out of water in the tool, but maybe it would work for you. The cost isn't too bad ($9/month).

Also if you can afford it, Rhino is a fantastic swiss army knife of the CAD world that has a tool for everything. There's probably some quick way to do it in Rhino.

ben_partouch

Thank you guys very much. I think for now my best option is to create sketches in Onshape with different "layers" and then export to CAM.
Otherwise, I think Fusion 360 is an options but would suck since so much much will be wasted for a whole CAD system I won't be using.....

edward_petrillo

@ben_partouch Are you CNCing sheet goods?  If so you may want to look at Vectric software (runs on Windows).  I use VcarvePro, their mid-level product, for profiling, holes and pockets on flat stock starting with DXF or PDF exports from Onshape.  Joining vectors and other simple manipulations before generating toolpaths are quick and easy.  For 3D their toolpath options are not as extensive as high-end CAM.  

dirk_van_der_vaart

Try this one,
https://carveco.com/
This is very good for 2d milling and engraving.
Simple to operate and no problem's importing DXF

ben_partouch

I am CNCing sheet goods and actually currently using Vcarve Pro. 
It's ok for very low volume but once we want to process few whole kitchens a day, the workflow from Onshape to Vcarve is becoming very time consuming. Especially because Onshape exports lines as individuals so I need to manually join them together. To do this for a lot of pieces just complicate things and takes to long. 

I will look into Carveco as well. 

Thank you!

dirk_van_der_vaart

Especially because Onshape exports lines as individuals so I need to manually join them together??

This sounds very weird to me, have you tried RMB and than export DXF?

ben_partouch

This will work when you have few parts. I have 100....