How to export DXF data and where does it go?

[[Ri...]]

I have never used DXF exporting.
I now have a need to export DXf data, I'm assuming its a file similar to to iges or step.
I have tried a couple times to export for two characteristics, but I can't seem to:
1. Find a DXF file.
2. Create a DXF file?

Any assistance would be approeciated.

[[Cl...]]

I was able to export the curve points and open in Solidworks.
Right click on curve > Export Points > (Format) DXF.

Then I was even able imported it back into Calypso.

[[Ri...]]

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Does the feature have to be a curve?
It's just a cylinder in my case.

[[Cl...]]

I exported a 2d curve to DXF. Haven't tried a feature.

[[Ma...]]

I've gotten this to work before. In Measurement Plan Editor you can select the features to export Select a location to export to...

[[Je...]]

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Hi Rick.

Marc and Clarke did a great job explaining auto-export of points, including how to specify the directory they are sent to. I use that workflow in the background for redundancy, and for repetitive tasks that is definitely the way to go.

However, for tasks when CAD models and tool corrections are directly produced from the points I export, which is often, I prefer to use a manual export process. This has worked well for single-piece exporting tasks.

To do this, all you need to do is right click on the feature of interest and choose "export points" from context menu. This opens the export points window where you can define which alignment to reference the points to and other related options.

I like using the point set feature because you can recall multiple other features into one group of points.

If you choose this option, keep in mind that points will always export in millimeters. I haven't found a way around this. To make life easier, I wrote a simple python .exe that when ran converts all of the .dxf files in the same folder as the .exe from millimeters to inches.

I've attached it here, but you'll have to change the .doc extension back to .exe to run it. This forum doesn't allow .exe or .py uploads:
.
***Not a .doc; change extension to .exe*** .
.


If you have specific questions or need more help, feel free to ask in the forum, or we can set up a Teams call if you dm me. Good luck!

[[Ri...]]

I exported a Cylinder.
I have tried both of the examples; however, the data output was nothing more than what seemed liked points creating a circle?

When setting a path and file name construction the file only ends up in the part folder under another folder (pointsExport) and not the name or path I designated.

"V:\CMM Data Files\DXF Files"+"\"+getRecordHead("order")+"\"+getRecordHead("dmesn")+"\"+getRecordHead("planid")+"_"+getRecordHead("partsn")+"_"+getRecordHead("partnbinc")+"_"+getRecordHead("date")+"_"+getRecordHead("time")+".dxf"

The above is used for all table files, Measuring points and pdf files with no problems. All I do is change the name of the folder created (in Red) "V:\CMM Data Files\DXF Files".

My point data when imported into SolidWorks looked like a giant circle of very few dots.
I am assuming I have not set this up properly.

Edit:
When attempting to set the Alignment, I have two word choices:
Base Alignment
Alignment
There is no option for the alignment that is associated to the feature, in the case of the Cylinder, the alignment would be
"#CNC Alignment1 A_B_C".

[[Je...]]

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Rick,

Do you have access to Solidworks? If so, do a File > Open in Solidworks of the .dxf file. Then, choose "Import as 3D Curves." This will reveal if your points were indeed extracted as a 3D cylinder.

If your Calypso measurement plan was set to inches and you exported into Solidworks without converting to mm, the points will be scaled incorrectly, but if you convert the .dxf to mm post-export using a similar process to the python script I mentioned, it will scale correctly. Or, if you set your Calypso measurement plan to mm, you won't need to convert it.

I'll send you a pm with my contact info. Feel free to reach out if you need help, or just keep messaging on this thread.

.
.

[[Ri...]]

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I will give this a try tomorrow; other projects have my immediate attention today. 😎