Linetypes in two different layers

[Dahzee]

I am presently using another CAD program which can create Lines and Arcs with two layers in them and can have variable lengths of segments and start and end with either of the two layers.

 

Is this something that could be created with Autocad or Bricscad as I am looking to change my software for a newer program and need this kind of functionality.

 

The two attached files show entities as created and exploded, when they are created they are on a layer called combination and when exploded they become the layer cut and crease.

 

When exported to dxf and interrogated they seem to be anonymous blocks, I don't know if this will give anybody a clue.

 

Plot2.DXF

 

Apologies if this is in the wrong section, please feel free to move it.

 

Any help gratefully received.

 

Cheers Dahzee

Plot.DXF

[neophoible]

This is not standard AutoCAD functionality. Perhaps it could be duplicated through dynamic blocks. Maybe some others will weigh in with better ideas on this. I am curious, though. What CAD package are you already using? Is it no longer supported? What do you need this functionality for?

[Dahzee]

Neophoible,

 

Thanks for the quick reply, I understand this is not normal AutoCAD/Bricscad functionality, the CAD software I am using is no longer supported, so I was wondering if it can be achieved in a different way. The reason I need this functionality is to do with cardboard packaging, where you have lines and arcs which are composed of folds and cuts. A typical example is a perforation, when you need to tear a pack open. These come in many different pitches with varying gaps and cuts, which can start with a cut and end with a gap or vice versa.

The drawings I create are used at 100% scale to run a CNC machine that cuts the cardboard and recognises what needs to be cut and what needs to be creased dependent on the layer. The lines/arcs therefore have to represent exactly when a line needs to start with a cut then a crease or start with a gap and then a cut in the case of a perforation. I have attached screen grabs of the dialog box that creates them at present. This is driven by text files for each different type of combination i.e. one for perforations, one for cut creases etc.

 

 

I have also attached a pdf which shows the type of rules that are used to create the final tooling from my original drawing.

 

Rule Types.pdf

 

Hopefully this will make things a bit clearer.

 

Many Thanks,

 

Dahzee

[ReMark]

So there must be other software that has this type of functionality right? The world has not stopped making cardboard packaging has it? Maybe you need to be looking at a program other than AutoCAD or an add-on. Remember that it helps to have the right tool for the job. I don't think that AutoCAD is that tool in this instance.

 

What packaging design software were you using? Did the program also have step and repeat capability? What about 3D proofing?

Edited June 12, 2013 by ReMark

[Dahzee]

ReMark,

 

Yes, there are existing programs out there, but they are very expensive due to the small marketplace and have way more features than I need. It is a bit like having a garage with a sports car for fast driving, a pick up for carrying stuff, a people carrier when doing the school run and an SUV when you park in a field. You don't need them all just because you like driving fast or have children.

 

There aren't any add ons for Autocad with this capability (that I know of) and I don't need step and repeat or 3D proofing.

 

The software I am presently using was just a simple 2D program that the authors wrote this routine for and some others to allow you to create packaging.

 

Mostly I only draw in 2D and use parametrics for many of the standard carton shapes, it's just that being able to create these combination lines is an everyday occurence that would take ages if I was to break the lines and change the layers, especially if it was a line 250mm long that needed to be broken into 2mm segments, that's over eighty 2mm lines, which I would have to change half of!

 

I don't know if it is something similar, but I remember on this forum someone was looking to do zig zag lines, which weren't created from a linetype, and there were some interesting results I seem to recall.

 

Again thanks in advance for your responses.

 

Dahzee

[ReMark]

Packmage CAD is free. Have you looked at it?

 

Without the benefit of custom lisp routines, assuming what you want could be done, you will not find the functionality you desire in generic AutoCAD.

[Dahzee]

ReMark,

 

Thanks for your help on this, I will investigate Packmage further, but from my previous recollections, it is a subscription service for the parametrics.

 

Appreciate you taking the time to look into this for me.

 

It looks like I am going to have to investigate the programming route to achieve what I need.

 

Many Thanks

 

Dahzee

[SLW210]

I will move your thread to the AutoLISP, Visual LISP & DCL forum and see if any of the gurus would like to tackle this for you.

[Dahzee]

Thanks SLW210,

 

Fingers Crossed!

 

Dahzee

[neophoible]

I would certainly think this is doable via customization, as has been mentioned. Perhaps you'd be willing to hire one of the gurus to set smth up? It sounds like it would be a lot cheaper in the long run to go that route, even if it's not free.

[LibertyOne]

I think there is a way to do this in AutoCAD.

You would have to make a custom multiline consisting of two customized line types each with zero justification.

The first line type is dashed scaled to the size of your preforation.

The second line type is dashed scaled to the size of your preforation but a negative of the first line. Hence the line definition of pen up, pen down is reversed.

 

I don't have AutoCAD to make this multiline , but I'm sure someone who does can do it in a matter of minutes...

[ReMark]

Wasn't there some other criteria to be met?

[LibertyOne]

Wasn't there some other criteria to be met?

 

such as..?

[ReMark]

Lines and ARCS.

 

Two different layers: Cut & Crease.

 

How do propose achieving that using a multiline?

[LibertyOne]

No arcs with multilines? Bummer. Maybe that's the reason I never started using them in the first place.

The multiline was only for the two colors. Does the Cnc machine cut and crease at the same time or in the same run?

[ReMark]

I'm afraid I cannot answer that question. The extent of my knowledge re: CNC is miniscule.

[LibertyOne]

@Dahzee

Could you tell us more about the information passed to the CNC machine? Like is each function (cut, score, etc.) on a separate layer?

[Dahzee]

LibertyOne,

 

Thanks for your interest in this thread.

 

Yes, the information passed to the machine is in a layer format as you can see in the exploded dxf file in my original post.

 

The machine is a flatbed cutter plotter with a multiple tool head which can cut, crease and plot from one file sent to it.

 

Regards,

 

Dahzee