We are taking delivery of a new turret punch machine in the new year and we would like to explore how to create a degree of associativity between a part and it's flat pattern dxf so that the two files are always "in step".
Not sure if this is best managed through workflow or via some other method.
The desired end result is that dxfs always reflect the features from their parent model, even when these models are revised.
Wouldn't Workgroup or Enterprise PDM be able to handle this? I'm not familiar enough with the PDM products to confirm this, though.
Kevin,
Yes it would handle it. Really no different as far as linking though.
Any files can be checked into the vault and linked together and even rev controlled
there, but it still cannot be parametric as I think Malcolm is looking to do.
The big question would be does he have PDM?
Yes we have PDM
Well, then it looks like you have some options then.
Which PDM? Workgroup or EPDM?
We have EPDM Scott. Ultimately I think this is about establishing a best working practice whether within the parameters of Solidworks / PDM or externally to these systems. I would imagine that it's a common issue for anyone trying to keep dxf's & models in sync. We wondered whether if, for example, it was possible to automate the deletion of a dxf once a model was placed "under change " or "under review" thus denying the turret guys access,as a precautionary measure.
I know what you are talking about. You can always change the permissions
within PDM to not allow access. I have also seen the linking of non-solidworks
files to solidworks files within the vault. But like you said, it is all in how you
want to arrange it that makes it work best for you.
Use a macro which combines a Save with a Save as > DXF. Map the macro to a keyboard shortcut to simplify the save.
Malcolm,
Once dxf's are created they are no longer associated with the file they come from.
This holds true for any exported type file.
What I can suggest is looking into something called the design binder.