How to Export DXF

files for
CAD/CAM
DXF format files are used to transfer data between Pro/e and the CAM programming
process at KEY. The export of DXF files in Pro/e is always done from the Detail Mode,
that is, from a drawing in Pro/e. In Pro/e DXF is strictly a 2D file format. The primary
usage of the CAD/CAM file at KEY is the programming of the laser for cutting appropri-
ate thickness materials. If a geometry file is requested for usage in programming the
machining of a part then the appropriate format will need to be worked out with the
supplier requesting the geometry.

A quick list of the requirements of a DXF at KEY is as follows:

* Create a view of the flat pattern of the part requiring DXF export
* View orientation must match view on drawing.
* View must be at a scale of 1 and labeled as such.
* View display mode must be set to no hidden line, no tangent, no thread form.
* View label must include part number, item number (when applicable) and
revision.
* Bend line axis and required laser etch marks must be shown.
* DXF filename includes part number, item number and revision. Example:
801234_i3_rA.dxf where 801234 is the part number, _i3 is the item and _rA
indicates revision A. Dashes or underscores are acceptable separators.
* Completed DXF files are to be placed in an appropriate directory at
\\orcas\group\MerryMech

The flat view of the part can be done by creating a new empty drawing for that very
purpose or can be created by stripping down the actual fabrication drawing. The DXF
view includes no drawing format or dimensions. No notes, symbols or thread repre-
sentation are included either. Set scale to 1 to obtain the view label.

To set the scale, hi-lite the view and right click hold
and select Properties. Even if the Default Scale for
the sheet is always 1, set the scale options to Cus-
tom Scale. This will put a Scale caption under-
neath the view that can be edited to note the part
number, item and revision for the DXF export. This
also sets a permanent record in the DXF export of
the scale. After apply-
ing the View Scale options, select View Display and set
the view to No Hidden and Tangents, None and apply.

After closing the View Properties dialog, edit the Scale

caption to include the Part Number, item number and re-
vision of the flat.
 Here is an image of my sample part ready for
DXF export. Scale of 1 with the part number,
item and revision shown in the caption. Shown
on the part are the bend line axes and the sin-
gle cross hair marking where a weld stud
would be placed and corner markers indicating
where tabs might go, outside the holes. If the holes are to be tapped after laser cut-
ting, make sure the holes are sized properly.

At this point you are ready to send the DXF file to the ‘MerryMech’ directory on Orcas.
A mapkey, named simply dxf, has been created that sets up the creation of the DXF
format file and browses to the root of ‘MerryMech.’ Choose an appropriate sub-
directory and modify the New Name to comply with the required format partnumber_r?
or partnumber_iX_r?. Partnumber is the part number on the drawing, ? represents the
revision and X represents the corresponding item number, if it is from a detail weld-
ment drawing with multiple sheetmetal items. The mapkey dxf does everything else.

That completes the basics of creating a DXF for file transfer to MerryMech. Details of
creating geometry for laser etch marks for locating other parts will be covered in an-
other document - watch for future installments coming soon to a location near you!