3-D CAD: Producing a 2-D layout from 3-D data--Converting an imported model into a production flat layout

摘要

Last month we explored using FeatureWorks~R to transform a 3-D concept model into a 3-D production model. From that model we were able to produce flat layouts, but the main objective was to produce a good 3-D model that would be useful over the project's lifetime.But what if you don't care about the 3-D model? What if all you want is a flat layout for CNC programming? Let's explore that premise.Before we go any further, let's start with the usual disclaimer that we're examining functionality that is unique to SolidWorks~R. For this exercise, we will start with a file in IGES format. The acronym is derived from Initial Graphics Exchange Specification. If we opened our starting file-SL2IC.IGS for example-with Notepad, we would see that it contains text in a very specific format. It does not have much meaning to the typical human. 3-D CAD software, however, is able to interpret that formatted IGES text and produce a 3-D model from it.