Hello all,
I am curious about DXF files for cnc machining. I typically see them being used for only flat parts (sheet metal) but I have not seen them being used for non-flat parts (for example, a pipe). Are there times when machinists can use DXF files for non sheet metals and why would they need to do that?
Depend if the CNC software can read DXF.
With a DXF file, machinist don't need to read drawing and enter numbers.
Hence, less mistakes.
Some CNC can take STEP or other 3D files.
Some company will have programmers to convert 2D and 3D to CNC G-codes.
So machinist only need to do setup and fine tune.
Will they use a dxf file for a non-flat part to find out the tool path in order to cut it?
Yes, they could.
Your question is vert general.
It depends on what the "CNC" can do and what kind of file it can read.
A DXF could be 2D or 3D.
A "CNC" could be lathe, mill, 2 axis to 5 axis.
You need to talk to the machinist to know what the "CNC" can do.
Haha yes it definitely is general. But you've answered my question.
I worked with old mill that can take DXF but operator cannot modify the tool path.
I just haven't seen DXFs that are "3D" so I was curious to know what they can be used for.
I hadn't heard of that iether
Well, lucky you 2.
AutoCAD 3D solid.
The "hence less mistakes" part really depends on what/who you're dealing with. If the machinist completely ignores the drawing in favour of CAD data, details in notes, tolerances, etc could be missed. Also depends on how something's modeled vs what it's intended to represent.
Yes, they could.