Export to DXF or DWG file -doesn't

I want to export a set of drawings in DXF or DWG format in order that they can be fabricated on an abrasive waterjet cutting machine. My vendor tells me that the file attachments that I send can't be read. I have tried different variations of export , testing by trying to open the exported files on Ashlar Vellum, Argon, and HighDesign. The Ashlar Vellum says the files are incompatible and the Highdesign simply opens a blank page without saying anything. I am currently using Mac OSX 10.4.8 on a G4 Mac. SketchUp 6 (6.0.313) is the version I am using.I have tried exporting in both 2D and 3D modes for all of the AutoCad DXF DWG possibilities listed in the menu. I have fiddled with the options listed ( faces, edges, geometry) and that doesn't seem to matter. I have tried exporting in wireframe mode. - no difference.

Is it me ?

Just tried same in 6 (hadn't before) and had no prob...? Can you post your model or some portion of it so someone (I'm really not too savvy with Autocad 3d) can help?

Best, Tom.

Here are the files:The first one is the .skp file . The second one is the same skp drawing after it was exported using the Autocad R13 DXF - 3D export option.

This part represents the side of a box made out of 1/4" plate stainless steel. The files shouldn't be very big.

SSBoxSide.skp

SSBoxSide.dxf

it's worth confirming whether the end user on the water jet cutter needs a 2d or 3d file. Some of the cutting machines and many CAD applications are 2D and it's not unusual for a 3d dxf file to come in blank as the Z value is stripped in some translators. Some app's might just say it's invalid because of the Z data; how they all handle those types conditions is different.

When I looked at the sketchup file, it was set to perspective view. Try turning off the perspective view and set it to parallel projection and a specific face on side view (left, right, whatever). Then export as 2D dxf and check your results. Also make sure to ask what version of DXF the cutter software can handle -- if the versions aren't compatible that can also result in the end user's application thinking it's an invalid DXF File.

If you're emailing the dxf file it's important to make sure it's compressed as a zip archive before sending. If you're using OS X Make Archive there's no problem. If you're using DropZip make sure mac binary is off. I've detailed the in's and out's in this article (and it's related links on that page) on my website many years ago.

I do round trip DWG translations in/out of sketchup; it works fine and is regular part of my workflow. I'll wager the other app's will be happier if it's a 2D dxf file and making sure it's zipped will help things run smoother.

I hope that helps or at least gives you some alternatives to try.

Brian

and a quick followup...

when I downloaded and tried to open your DXF file in Sketchup, it failed. That can't be good since the file was generated in sketchup os it should be able to go round trip.

I opened your sketchup file and saved the dxf again as 3D DXF R13 and it opened fine in Sketchup here (i.e. it went round trip).

That does tend to point at the original dxf as being a problem but I'd still check out the points in my other email to make sure.

Cheers

Brian

Yes, your original DXF had nothing in it.

Given the process you are sending this file out for I would do the following: Turn on Parallel Projection. Rotate the object to have the face which will be cut to face plan view (top view) then export it as a 2D DXF. After exporting and verifying the file has in it what you expect using EDrawings from Solidworks (free download), create an archive of the file (right click, Create Archive of XYZ) then email the zip file.

Things to remember: If you can't read the file and see what you expect the vendor cannot either. DXFs can be scrambled by email programs so its best to zip them (Archive) so they can unpack it at the other end. Remember that most CAM programs are pretty dumb in terms of what they can read or do and a low level user won't know what to do when a file fails.

Good luck. I have attached an updated file for you.

SSBoxSide (1).dxf

Huc and Kmead - Thanks so much! Solid advice that I never- never would have figured out.