In this screen we can also select it to export all our sheets to seperate DXF files. Therefore we need to save our Solidworks drawing as DXF.Ĭhange the version to R13. We want to convert our Solidworks drawing to a file that can be read by vector editing software. When you have placed all your models press ctrl + a to select all center marks. You can check the scale by clicking on the model. Because solidworks has a bug where it sometimes doesn't pick the right scale.

Make sure to check the scale after you have placed the model. For the scale you can use either the sheet scale we previously set to 1:1 or we can set our custom scale to 1:1. When we add a model make sure it has the right orientation and scale. There we want to select visible model edges. Select options in the top of your screen. In my case I will select red because I only need to cut. Most often there are more lines for cutting than strokes. You want to choose a border line color that is going to be used most in your drawing. We don't want use black for our lines because this is only used for area's. Let's now make it easier for ourself by changing a few solidworks settings.įirst thing is changing the border colors. Now edit the properties of the clean sheet to the workarea of your CNC machine. Now hover your mouse over the border and right click the delete option. Right click your sheet and click on the edit sheet format option. In this step we will remove existing border from the standard sheets used in Solidworks. There is no need for you to follow this step. I recommand saving it somewhere so you can use it for other projects as well. I also change the sheet name to the machine I am using. In this screen we will have to change the scale to be 1:1. Your sheet should look something like this. I am using a VLS4.60 so my workarea is 610mm x 457mm. Now we want to change the sheet size to the workarea. The first is to go to solidworks and select make a drawing.

If you already made a drawing jump to step 2. If you have any questions or are missing information in this tutorial please leave a comment below so I can update the tutorial.įirst I always like to make a template that fits the materials processing envelope (workarea) of the CNC machine I am going to use. This is paid software if you want to use free software I recommend using Fusion 360 for 3D modeling and Inkscape for vector image editing. I will be using Solidworks and Adobe Illustrator in this tutorial. I will be focusing on a laser cutter in this tutorial.

In this tutorial, I will explain and give tips for converting your Solidworks drawing to a vector file that CNC machines can read.

Convert dxf to gcode solidworks