Export flat pattern

Use the browser context menu to export a flat pattern of a sheet metal model.

Note: You must already have a flat pattern of your part created.
  1. Right-click the Flat Pattern icon in the browser.
  2. Choose Save Copy As.
  3. Browse to the directory where you want to save the part and enter a file name in the File Name box.
  4. In the Save as Type box, specify SAT, DWG, or DXF file type.
  5. Click Save.

Export flat pattern to DXF

Flat patterns are frequently exported to DXF format for direct use by CNC machine tools. These tools often have specific expectations regarding the geometry type and layer locations. Familiarity with the specific requirements of your individual machine tools helps you obtain the best results.

Exporting a flat pattern to DXF follows the general steps outlined previously. Select DXF as the output file type, and click Save. Complete the following steps.

  1. On the Flat Pattern DXF Export Options dialog box, use the option buttons to select which DXF file version to output
    Tip: Most machine tools want data in R12 format.
  2. Optionally, select Customize DWG/DXF and choose a previously defined *.xml file containing specific output formatting.
  3. Select the Layer Options tab to modify which layers are on or off in your exported file. Different object types map to named layers. You can optionally edit the layer name by clicking the layer name in the dialog box and editing the name. The edited name is saved when you use the Save Configuration option.
    Tip:
    • Not all machine tools want all the available layers. Click the light bulb icon to turn off the layers you do not want to export. When the bulb is yellow, the layer is on and exports.
    • Pay attention to the front and back attribution. Certain punches strike from the front or back and do not apply to the file you are exporting.
    • Inner profiles are shapes created using a cut feature and can represent laser or water jet cut paths. Feature profiles are shapes created using punch tools. Depending on the machine tool you are targeting, consider using these layers separately.
  4. Optionally, select the Geometry Options tab to modify the type, tolerance, and coordinate quadrant used for the exported geometry.
    Tip: Many machine tools expect the external profile of a flat pattern to be represented as a polyline. Check the requirements of your target machine.
    Tip: Some machine tools expect all XY geometry to have a positive sign (for example, exist within first quadrant). Check the requirements of your target machine and use this option as required.
  5. Click OK to export your geometry.
Note: If you use the same configuration of file type, layer, and geometry options, you can save all the selections you made on this dialog box. Click Save Configuration and provide a meaningful name to the configuration file created. Select this configuration file from among others you saved with different options when you later export DXF for the same machine tool.

Layer Mapping:

IV_TANGENT Bend extent lines.
IV_BEND Bend centerlines for “up” bends.
IV_BEND_DOWN Bend centerlines for “down” bends.
IV_TOOL_CENTER Punch tool center marks for “up” punches.
IV_TOOL_CENTER_DOWN Punch tool center marks for “down” punches.
IV_ARC_CENTERS Arc center marks. Certain CNC machines require arc centers on a layer other than the profile layer.
IV_OUTER_PROFILE Exterior outline geometry. Outline geometry defines a shadow boundary of the projected part.
IV_INTERIOR_PROFILES Interior outline geometry. Outline geometry defines a shadow boundary of the projected part.
IV_FEATURE_PROFILES Non-outline visible edges.
IV_FEATURE_PROFILES_DOWN Non-outline edges invisible on the front face.
IV_ALTREP_FRONT Punch alternative representation geometry for “up” punches.
IV_ALTREP_BACK Punch alternative representation geometry for “down” punches.
IV_UNCONSUMED_SKETCHES Visible, unconsumed sketch geometry placed on the front face of the sheet metal flat pattern. Text in the sketch is not exported. Both the Autoproject Edges during curve creation and Autoproject Edges for sketch creation and edit application options can add undesired geometry to your unconsumed sketch.
Note: Unconsumed sketch geometry on the IV UNCONSUMED SKETCHES layer is automatically placed in By Sketch mode. This means that any specific color, line type, or line weight assignments made to the sketch geometry are retained and override the default IV UNCONSUMED SKETCHES layer properties.
IV_ROLL Roll centerlines.
IV_ROLL_TANGENT Roll extent lines.
Parent topic: Create flat pattern in sheet metal