Using the sheet metal tool to create 2D layouts of 3D parts is a great idea. I saw it used to create patterns for a tip-to-tip carbon fiber layup. I use OpenSCAD which does not have that ability, but I also have SolidEdge, which does. May be time to start working with SolidEdge again.found a solution, created solid the shape of the cutout, cut the tube using that shape. Then converted the tube to sheet metal, cut a slot on the tube and was able to get a flat pattern. Exported the pattern as a DXF then used a DXF viewer to print it as PDF. From that PDF then i can scale that outline to match the size i need. Will work a great rough cutting guide to use as starting point for cutting the lens holes.
I used Alibre perhaps 15 years ago and liked it, but the $200 version appears to be pretty limited.I use Alibre. It is very easy to learn. It's also very powerful with a lot of functions that make's drawing even the most complex model a breeze.
I don't see a trial, but the list of features for $200 look pretty good.I bought version 10, and had to pay for an upgrade to v12, but had good results. I tried 360, but wasn't getting it.
https://www.punchcad.com/punch-viacad-2d-3d-v12
Maybe they offer a free trial?
Your thread was the one I was thinking of in my post. I've shown that to a fair number of folks who really like the concept.With the new changes you can still export .stl files, but that's about it.
I did the tip to tip layup in this thread with the sheet metal tool and exported it as a DXF and a PDF. That ability will go away. It had occurred to me during that process that I was circumventing an expensive plugin that they probably want me to buy.
I may look into Solidedge. I may just pay for a Fusion 360 subscription, but I hate subscription software.
Looking for a decent hobbyist level CAM package at a reasonable price; so far not much luck. Contacted SprutCAM and Mecsoft (VisualCAMc for OnShape) in hopes that they'll respond to Autodesk's abdication. I did find one low-feature package called ElsiCAM from a guy in Germany for under 50 Euros perpetual that some people says is OK.
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