Nested dxf file

[indy4x]

Hi

Hoping someone can help. I have a bunch of parts in a nested dxf file, I need to unnest the parts into individual files so I can send off for laser/plasma cutting, is anyone able to unnest them for me

Thanks

 

[julianf]

I'm assuming you have no software that can work with dxf, rather than the question being "how to do it"?

Assuming it's not a million parts, I could do it for you. See if you can't pm me the file?

 

[indy4x]

@julianf I've got the free version of Fusion 360 but thats it. Looking online at free CAD programs that will allow me to manipulate the file.

Its a total of 25 parts that will hopefully enable me to make a bumper for the rear of my Jeep.

Have just downloaded FreeCAD, will install it and see how it goes, if I fail to get my head round it I'll drop you a pm

If I can get my head around FreeCAD, I'd like to join some of the parts as the cutting service can also bend to your drawings too. This will save on welding as the current drawing is all flat panels, some of which could be bent to shape rather than welding them

This is what the finished product should look like

 

[Agroshield]

Have just downloaded FreeCAD

For the specific thing you want, separating a dxf file, FreeCAD will be horrible. And I say that as a user and fan.

Could I suggest LibreCAD or QCAD as they work well with dxf.

Save the original file somewhere very safe. Open a copy. Select the outline you want. Edit, cut. Then paste into a new document/file. Save. Repeat 24 times.

Change the extension of the dxf to .txt and upload it here.

Joining individual parts will not give you a flat development of the finished part. With a bent item, there is a bend allowance and that will not be taken into account with your upside down method. You can try it in FreeCAD's sheet metal workbench - make a simple 90 degree 100mm equal angle out of 2mm sheet and unfold it. It will not be 200mm long when unfolded.

 

[Ruffian]

Is it in a body or flat pattern dxf?

If its flat pattern would use project and put into a different sketch, that way can put all items onto a different sketch and use.

 

[indy4x]

Quick update on this

I have downloaded LibreCAD, quick Google on the copy and paste process and I have individual files ready to send off for a laser cutting quote

Really appreciate the comments from everyone on this.

Converting the individual components into ones that are joined and bent to shape, it's something I'd like to do but time is not on my side to learn how to do that. It's no biggie, just looking to make my life easier if some of the bits were prefolded rather then welded

 

[indy4x]

@julianf was actually less than 25 parts, as the pieces on the corners are a mirror image it was only 15 parts in total

 

[indy4x]

@Agroshield would you recommend FreeCAD for sheet metal, it's something I'd like to learn and be able to generate dxf files for cutting and folding

 

[Brad93]

Fusion 360 can pull out a dxf but it won't pull
apart an assembly like that if it's in a dxf format you would probably need autocad

 

[indy4x]

Quick update on this

I sent the dxf files off to Lasered Components Wed of last week, Thursday they came back with a quote of £170 to have all the pieces laser cut from S275 mild steel and delivered to me

Paid Sunday evening and I've had an email today telling me it's been cut, packed up and shipping booked with FedEx

There is a mix of 3mm and 5mm steel depending on which part of the bumper it's for, total weight of 28kg

Really impressed with their customer service, all done over email, very quick and efficient, prompt replies to my questions and the price seemed pretty good as well

 

[chip]

Quick update on this

I sent the dxf files off to Lasered Components Wed of last week, Thursday they came back with a quote of £170 to have all the pieces laser cut from S275 mild steel and delivered to me

That don't sound bad at all, is that their company name? I might resurrect a couple of projects I shelved.

 

[indy4x]

@chip yes, Lasered Components, they are based in Essex somewhere

Clicky

Came recommend to me by a mate who uses them

They can also fold to your design, unfortunately the dxfs for my bumper was all flat panels that you weld together, I'd have liked to redraw them so some of the bits were folded to save on welding, however, it's something I don't have the skills for, could probably learn but time isn't on my side ATM

 

[indy4x]

I have the dxfs for a 2x72 belt sander, tempted to send them in for a quote

 

[indy4x]

My order from Lasered Components arrived today.

They had strapped and wrapped it to a piece of 1/2" OSB with cardboard and lots of plastic banding

Cut quality is good, the metal is very clean, one or 2 of the thinner pieces have a slight warp in them guessing from the cutting process but nothing to worry about

I now have a metal jigsaw to weld together

 

[sako243]

@indy4x there's a company down here (Bartlett Engineering) who've just bought a big CNC laser to accompany their plasma.

Got a mate who works there and I had a very quick turnaround on something my sister wanted cut, bent and welded.

Not really a mail order company but handy to know about, especially as they're on my doorstep.