I am having trouble importing dxf files from Creo into sheetcam. I have gone through the setup process several times and watched multiple sheetcam help videos, but I am still having trouble. I am using Creo because it is the software we use at work, and I am also an engineering student, so I have the student version of Creo.
I have tried importing several different dxf files from creo, and even went as far as deleting all layers in creo down to the sketch layer only. When I import the dxf file, it shows up in the parts tab, but there is no part in the window. Under the layers tab, I do not get the [DEFAULT] option like all the videos are showing. I have attached one of the files I am attempting to import into sheetcam.
I have trouble sometimes with svgs when not converted to a path. I can usually look at them in qcad then re-save. Something is definitely different here.
Hello Pillipw,
That looks like the side view. One of the sides is 4 inches, so that checks out. Are you able to rotate the piece to see the “top” view?
I kept messing with it for a few hours after entering this topic. What I figured out in Creo so far is that I have to take the “solid” or “sheetmetal” design under the part type and change it to a “drawing” type, then save it as a dxf. My thought is that the sheetmetal and solid design tabs in Creo under the part type have far too many layers for sheetcam to decifer. When it is saved as a drawing dxf, it is one plane/layer, and can be imported to sheetcam as a dxf. It seems there are plenty of ways to take a sheetmetal or part design and change it to a drawing design, so I am wondering if anyone has some tips on the most efficient way.
Also, when you get the part into the drawing type, there may be a border around the part in Creo. To remove this, click “sheet setup”, and then uncheck the box next to “show format”. If you do not remove the border, sheetcam will recognize it as a cut path.
As I learn more, I will keep posting here to help others in the future. I hope to get some replies as well to help expedite my learning process.
My cad programs and sheetcam are 2D so no I can’t rotate it. Also all the white lines are open. They are not attached. I guess that may be a issue of the 3D to 2D.
After several hours of reading, watching videos, and messing with the Creo and Sheetcam software, I have come up with a solution to get Creo designed parts into sheetcam. Below are “Work Instructions” that I am using for flat parts. This does not include bent parts that will need to be laid flat before saving as a prt file and opening as a drawing. I put this together for myself to help expedite the process and prevent me from getting something wrong, and then becoming frustrated when the dxf file doesn’t import into sheetcam. It may be a little clunky, but it works for me, so hopefully it will work for others as well. I have attached the PDF for the instructions below. Creo parts into Sheetcam.pdf (118.9 KB)
If I missed anything, or you have questions, please post here and I will try to help the best I can.
