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How to export curved planar surfaces of model as DXF files for plasma cutting?

My kinetic sculpture will have multiple crescent shaped bodies made from sheet metal aluminum. I want to export the curved surfaces as DXF files for plasma cutting. If I right click on the curved surface, DXF does not appear as an export option. I have tried working with the sheet metal function and cannot get it to work with my curved surfaces. I would think there would be a way to select the curved planar surface individually and do some sort of work around. When I used Fusion 360 there were methods that I used to make it work

Thanks,

SFQ

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/3c0d9a14bd01b85cc9bf2eec/w/c170ef3c384cb5234f342802/e/10ca60a0d1b77a14bb774cde?renderMode=0&uiState=67328eace48e8913fb551583

Answers

  • gonzalo_chomongonzalo_chomon OS Professional Posts: 55 ✭✭
    edited November 21

    I do have exactly the same question as @stephen_quinn527
    Is there any Feature Script, Tool, Function or App that is able to export simple curved surfaces to a flat pattern (Either DXF/DWG or a Sketch) in order to work with ie. sightly curved wood boards?
    Or even better if it is able to export compound curved surfaces in order to work with ie. textiles.
    Thanks for your input.

  • Oliver_CouchOliver_Couch Member Posts: 226 PRO

    The only way to do it I can think of would be to use the sheet metal tools. You need to generate your part using only sheet metal features so it can be flat patterned.

    Sheet metal lofts are a work in progress. I've seen some demo videos from onshape but there's nothing official yet.

  • gonzalo_chomongonzalo_chomon OS Professional Posts: 55 ✭✭

    Thanks to the whole Onshape team for the new analysis tool.
    I have been waiting for this for years.
    I did not need such a powerful tool, something simpler would have made me happy and your great community. But I understand your actual professional compromises.

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