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Waterjet Group -> Programming & File Questions? -> 3D arcs, ellipses, and splines do not import into Flowpath
Post Info TOPIC: 3D arcs, ellipses, and splines do not import into Flowpath
sailwa66


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3D arcs, ellipses, and splines do not import into Flowpath
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We regularly cut 3 dimensional formed parts on our IFB, using a customer-provided DXF file.  Problem is, Flowpath doesn't import 3D arcs, any ellipses, or any splines, and that's about all these DXF files contain. 

We have to basically trace over all of the geometry using line segments before importing into Flowpath, costing me time and my customers money.

Anyone know of a workaround?

I've tried converting the DXF file to an AI file, but then I get tens of thousands of tiny line segments.  I've also tried converting the geometry to polylines, but not had good success.

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Waterjet Tech 1


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There several options that will make the process of converting the arcs to lines a little easier if you have the software available which are CadKey and Mastercam.

* With a 3D surface imported as a DXF or IGES with the typical splines, the following menu picks apply:

CadKey

-Go to “ Edit “ menu
-Select “ Autosegment”
-Select “ Lines”
-Enter the amount lines you want profile broken into and you will have the result you are looking for in 3D
-Export the file as DXF or IGES into FlowMaster, apply lead in/out’s and you are ready to cut. The attached file took less than minute to prepare from start to finish using this method.


MasterCAM

-Go to “Modify” menu
-Select “Break”
-Select “Many Pieces”
-At this point you have three options in breaking you profile into line segments:
1. By length – Breaks profile into line segments of equal length.
2. By number – Breaks profile into “X” amount of line segments.
3. By tolerance – Will divide profile into segment lengths while ensuring geometric accuracy.

-Export the file as DXF, IGES or NC Code (requires FlowTranslate) into FlowMaster, apply lead in/out’s and you are ready to cut.


-- Edited by waterjetgroup on Wednesday 12th of August 2009 09:26:11 AM

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sailwa66


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Hmm... while I don't have access to either of those programs, I'll check to see if Autocad has a similar sort of functionality built into the import function.  Thanks.

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water_cutter101


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Not sure if this wil help, but maybe trying to cleanup the file before you get it might help.

Here are my suggestions and you can certainly pass this on to your customers as a "general" guideline for supplying you with files.


1.  Delete all annotations, dimensions, and anything other than what you actually want to cut

2.  Explode the drawing (sometimes has to be done multiple times as there are can be blocks within blocks).  When you see the total number of entities and the number exploded is zero, you are good.

3.  Select the entire drawing and move to layer zero (0)

4.  Purge the entire drawing which deletes unused layers, blocks, and anything else that is not in the drawing

5.  Export to DXF (usually Acad 14, 2000, 2004 or similar seem to work best).


Good Luck!



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sailwa66


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Good suggestions, but unfortunately, I've already tried those things to no avail.evileye

Does the 5-axis jet come with a different import engine for FP?

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Waterjet Tech 1


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The 5-axis uses MasterCAM for all programming.

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LabradorBob


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I have used 3-D programs to draw files. I typically have to draw them in a top view and save them  while in the top view and they work fine!

But if drawn or saved in a front view, perspective view or side view they will not work!

 



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Waterjet Group -> Programming & File Questions? -> 3D arcs, ellipses, and splines do not import into Flowpath
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