Sheet metal to dxf for laser cutting machine

ZW3D CAD
#1

Dear forum members,
We have a few customers who use ZW3D for sheet metal products only.
One of them has used Solid Edge in the past and was used to a one button command that unfolds the product, creates a silhouette contour from it and exports it as dxf file for sending to the laser cutting machine.
ZW3D needs 3 separate commands to do this: Unfold, silhouette with internal loops checked (wireframe) and finally export the result to dxf.
ZW3D support has tried to write an API script for it, but did not succeed.
R&D is fully involved in 2022 development and will only invest time in such a function/API program when it is paying off in terms of sales.
Therefore I would like to launch a survey on the forum, if there would be a broad demand for such a function.

Cheers!
Luurt (from the Dutch ZW3D reseller)

#2

Whilst I pass all of my Zw3D enquiries to Mike at DM-Smart Zwcad 3D reseller, I do have an active interest in sales of all Zwcad products.

That looks like a feature that could act as a significant sales puller. Especially if included in a web demonstration of the product.

Hope that helps.

Peter Jones

#3

Currently we are busy with the development of an metal aircraft for the GA and started in ZW3D to see if it fulfill the job. So this feature is highly appreciated.

Kind regards
Roland

#4

Hi Luurt,
It seems odd than one would fail in an API development.
I certainly agree a single button flat profile would be good and if nothing else, make Z3 comparable with almost every other CAD software.
No question ZW need to deal with real user requirements and one would thing API/UI/Top level mods were low hanging fruit.

The process I use is to make a drawing an annotate check dimensions and anything else I want the profiler to know, then export that. Takes a little longer but unless production is inhouse, you kinda need the process.

Cheers - Paul

#5

Hi Paul,
The drawing is indeed good when production is not in-house.
The customer that first raised the question after purchasing ZW3D in January, has its laser machines in the shop and needs no additional info for production.
Engineering needs to keep 3 of those machines running and therefore they like to spend as little time as possible for exporting those files.

About the API issue, If anyone on the forum has experience in this field and sees a chance to tie these functions together, please contact us.
I understood that it requires Visual Studio 2017 to do it.
Later versions might mot work well, according to ZW support.

Thanks,
Luurt

#6

Hi Peter.
Me too.
Thanks for responding

Luurt

#7

Hi Roland,

Looking forward to see some results

Luurt

#8

We use a contractor to do sheetmetal work. It would certainly be quicker to do the single button to dxf for laser cutting. Our contractor needs a dimensioned drawing of the flat shape for the fold lines as well so no great time saving for us.
Jim

#9

Dear all,
ZWsoft R&D has created the macro for the above purpose.
I have tested it a few days an it works very decent.
In the video link, the macro command is entered in the command line, but, of course, an button in the ribbon is not a problem.

Anyone interested in the macro can send me a mail to luurt@4cccc.nl and I will send the macro with installing instructions.

Best regards,
Luurt

1 Like
#10

Hi Luurt,
thank you for this.
It is very cool, but IMO could be refined by ZW to allow for file naming and location dialogue which the Macro language allows for. Much better for ZW team to learn the ins and outs of the macro world at this time and get good at making quality add ons.
I suggest you post the macro and instructions as a zip - here. Forum accepts zips.
Cheers - Paul

#11

Hi Paul,

I have tried to upload the zip file, only the upload button does not alow it.
Any special procedure for this?

Best regards,
Luurt

#12

Hi Luurt,
just fixed that. Should work now.
Cheers - Paul

#13

unfold to dxf.zip (3.6 MB)

Hi Paul,

Looks successful!
The content of the zip is, the macro, which I put in the ZW3D user folder.
In the same resource folder that contains templates, bundles and libraries:
C:\Users<login>\AppData\Roaming\ZWSOFT\ZW3D\ZW3D 2020\resource\AED.mac
That is also the path that needs to entered after the < $load > command
The video’s are for the workflow and creating a button for the above command.
ZW3D support likes to know your feedback on this macro and perhaps others have similar ideas to make life easier.
Enjoy!

Luurt

3 Likes
#14

Hi anybody, we are ZW reseller in italy and we are specialized in sheet metal.
I’ ll attach some videos of the customized command we created.
We are still working to improve them and create new commands.
If you are interested, please contact us on support@axionsrl.eu .

1 Like
#15

other videos:

1 Like
#16

hi Axion_srl 你用的是 Macro 开发的还是C++？

你有没更多的API相关资料？

SDK方面？

#17

hi luurt4c，你是广州总部的技术吗？

#18

Hi ZW3D_liangfen,

May I ask: are you the staff of ZWSOFT or the end-user? And May I suggest you post here in English, then other members could understand your points well. Thank you. :slight_smile:

#19

Hi TongyTan
OK.thank you.
下次我会翻译的。

#20

Hi Guys, just back for a summer break here. It seems the links have expired on GDrive.
Any chance of posting the videos on a Youtube channel and re sharing?
Sounds like really interesting stuf we would like to know about.
Cheers - Paul