Sheet Metal DXF Exporter
Win64, EnglishMicrographics
Sheet Metal Flat Pattern DXF Exporter for Autodesk® Inventor®
General Usage Instructions
Screenshots
Installation/Uninstallation
Additional Information
Contact
Version History
General Usage Instructions
Install the Software. Start Inventor and open an assembly. Double click the "DXF Exporter" icon on your desktop.
Activate the application by clicking the "Activate" button. Follow the Activation instructions.
On activation, scan your assembly for sheet metal parts for exporting. Select the required export settings.
Click on the "Export DXF files" button to start the export process.
Screenshots
Commands
Installation/Uninstallation
The program can be uninstalled using Windows "Programs and Features" under Control Panel.
Additional Information
Known Issues
Contact
Author/Company Information
Micrographics
Support Information
Version History
| Version Number | Version Description |
|---|---|
|
9.0.4 |
9.0.4 https://micrographicssa-my.sharepoint.com/:u:/g/personal/pieter_mgfx_co_za/EVYDXc9rX4FEvjMF28cvDYMBUTYX8ucwFDeENr_Ib3eiBg?e=0JlSdd&download=1 What's New: <9.0.4> *** No Activation required when upgrading from version 9.x.x *** - [New] Upgraded DXF Library to version 3.0.1. - [New] Added an ID column to the grid. -- Row values will start with 1 and increment by 1 - Basically a count of rows -- Row ID value can be used in the custom filename configuration - [New] Added an option to also export the Ipt file to the export folder, and with the same filename as the DXF file. - [New] Added the ability to specify a shared Options File folder. -- This is useful if users would like to share a common folder for Options Files. - [Improved] Better handling of Options file and folder permission issues. <9.0.0> *** Activation Is Required - Please email us on ivtools@mgfx.co.za to verify if your subscription is active*** - [New] Inventor 2025 Compatibility. - [Fix] Fixed a general error which occurred on very few systems when exporting all grid items. <8.2.0> *** No Activation required when upgrading from version 8.x.x *** - [New] Added ability to control the Mark Feature layer's Visibility, Name and Colour. <8.1.1> - [Fix] The number of bends in the Bends column have been doubled up and reported as such. <8.1.0> - [Improved] Added option to Zero-pad Thickness folder names for better sorting in Windows Explorer. -- This only applies when exporting DXF files to individual folders per thickness - [New] Replaced the old Row Merge item checker with the new "Part Number Item Analysis" tool. -- This is a way more powerfull tool for picking up models with Part Number conflicts - [Improved] Added three new user-requested columns - CNC Cut Length, Mass, and Area (Extents). - [Improved] The process report settings are now saved and will automatically be recalled the next time its used. <8.0.7> - [Fix] App would not load the assembly if a Custom iProp with the name 'Title' was added to the table. - [Improved] More specific messaging was added in the event of an error while loading an assembly. <8.0.5> - [Improved] Improved feedback when checking for duplicate export DXF filenames. <8.0.4> - [Improved] Custom Layer Names are now being checked for illegal characters not supported by AutoCAD. - [Improved] Overall dimensions could cause the system to stop processing files prematurely. <8.0.3> - [Fixed] Sometimes the bend notes were not placed in the correct position. - [Fixed] Fixed an issue with combining DXF files with unsupported characters in the filename. <8.0.2> - [Improved] Thumbnail images of Part models with Model States will now be displayed correctly on the grid. - [Improved] Added a right-click option to export the Processing Report directly from the grid. <8.0.1> *** Activation Is Required - Please email us on ivtools@mgfx.co.za to verify if your subscription is active*** - [New] Inventor 2024 Compatibility. - [New] Added Post-Processing functions - See new Ribbon Tab. -- Use the DXF Combiner to combine DXF files into one DXF file. --- Files can be added from what was just exported or by selecting DXF files from a folder. -- Use the PDF Combiner to combine PDF files into one PDF file. --- Files can be added from what was just exported or by selecting PDF files from a folder. -- The Processing Report button is also located on this tab's ribbon. - [New] Added more items to be included as text inside the DXF file. -- Added: File Path, File name (Full), Date Exported, Time Exported, Inventor User Name, Windows User Name. - [Improved] Small bug fixes. <7.1.19> - [Fixed] Error message popping up after exporting files. <7.1.18> - [New] Added a "Bends (Unique)" column option. -- If Bends are colinear and in the same direction then they will be reported as 1 bend. -- This value is more useful for bending cost calculations for instance. -- PLEASE NOTE: This will slow down the |
|
8.0.1 |
<8.0.1> *** Activation Is Required - Please email us on ivtools@mgfx.co.za to verify if your subscription is active*** - [New] Inventor 2024 Compatibility. - [New] Added Post-Processing functions - See new Ribbon Tab. -- Use the DXF Combiner to combine DXF files into one DXF file. --- Files can be added from what was just exported or by selecting DXF files from a folder. -- Use the PDF Combiner to combine PDF files into one PDF file. --- Files can be added from what was just exported or by selecting PDF files from a folder. -- The Processing Report button is also located on this tab's ribbon. - [New] Added more items to be included as text inside the DXF file. -- Added: File Path, File name (Full), Date Exported, Time Exported, Inventor User Name, Windows User Name. - [Improved] Small bug fixes. <7.1.19> - [Fixed] Error message popping up after exporting files. <7.1.18> - [New] Added a "Bends (Unique)" column option. -- If Bends are colinear and in the same direction then they will be reported as 1 bend. -- This value is more useful for bending cost calculations for instance. -- PLEASE NOTE: This will slow down the part load process becuase of the extra calculations. --- The calculations will only be done if the "Bends (Unique)" column is visible. --- If the column is added after the initial load the values can be update by right-clicking to update properties. - [Fixed] On some derived part workflows, when creating sheet metal parts, the app would not load the sheet metal part's data. <7.1.16> - [Improved] Overall dimension scaling was inappropriate for imperial parts. - [Fixed] On some PC's an error message will be displayed after doing an export. This was nothing serious as it was linked to the "Export Complete" message box displayed afterwards. <7.1.15> - [Improved] All Flat Images on the grid, are automatically rotated to landscape to help condense the grid. - [New] Added 'Bends' (number of bends) to the list of items to be used inside the DXF file or in the File name string. - [Fixed] Small bug fix. <7.1.13> - [Fixed] The "Export Visible Rows" button exported all rows. <7.1.12> - [New] We added three new columns to the main grid - If they are not visible by default, just add them as they may be hidden. -- Model Image column is populated when the assembly is scanned, or individual models are added. -- Flat Image column is populated when the DXF files are created. -- The Processed column is checked when the DXF was processed and can be used to filter the grid. -- Image size can be set under General Options - [Improved] Right-Click context menu has been extended to include: -- Update Properties of Selected grid items or rows --- This is useful for when a model's properties like Description, Material etc has changed and you only want to update the affected rows -- Process Selected Items - This is useful if you only want to export the selected grid items/rows. - [New] A new Processing Report creation button has been added to the ribbon. -- This gives you the ability to print or export the main grid information to many formats like PDF, Excel, Word etc. -- The new image columns can be exported as well which greatly improves reporting from a visual requirement -- The inclusion of header and footer information can be set under General Options - [New] Overall Dimensions can be added to the exported DXF file. -- This is useful for size confirmation and other processing requirements. <7.1.6> - [Improved] The Flat pattern STEP export function was made more robust. - [Improved] The threaded hole detection and removal function was improved. <7.1.4> - [Improved] When removing Concentric Feature geometry, you now have the option to replace the relevant holes with center marks. -- This is useful as countersinking laser-cut holes is not always ideal. <7.1.3> - [Improved] Concentric Feature profile replacement function was improved as profiles on custom la |
|
7.0.2 |
<7.0.2> - Minor Display Bug fixes <7.0.1> - Inventor 2023 Compatibility - Support for Arc spline simplification - Added Bends column to Log - Can customize the log table layout <6.1.16> - [Fix] Bug fixes <6.1.15> - [Improved] Reintroduced the option to override the item Qty's in the table, using the Right-Click context menu. - [Fixed] Options did not always come through after an upgrade and some dropdowns were left empty causing errors while exporting - [Fixed] Other fixes related to exporting manually added files. <6.1.11> - [New] Introduction of application color themes - [Improved] Quick Options with Dock Panel – Can resize collapse or pin it - [Improved] Can edit item rows in Custom Filename table - [Improved] Can edit item rows in Text inside DXF table - [New] New Sheet metal component grid with search and filter options -- Many more properties and unlimited Custom iProperties can be added -- Grid layout can be saved - [New] Save the state of the user interface including Property columns and control sizes. - [New] Hole replacement can be done by Table - [Improved] Option to only export STEP files if the part contains bends - [Improved] Added an option to be Model State aware – Inv 2022+ - [Improved] Added a Bends column to the table which can be used for filtering/sorting - [Improved] PDF Creation Improvements: -- Added an option to use a Drawing Template when generating PDF’s of flat patterns -- You can now specify the PDF sheet size - [Improved] Added an option to include a view of the folded model on the PDF – Sheet 2 - [Improved] Added an option to open the file location by right-clicking on the item in the table - [New] Added an option to override Color and Layer properties of the text items inserted <6.0.8> - [New] Three new properties have been added to be inserted into the DXF file -- "Sheet Metal Extents (X)" -- "Sheet Metal Extents (Y)" -- "Part Length Units" - [Improved] Long filenames are now detected and reported on. A limit of 259 characters are allowed including the Folder path, Filename and File Extension. - [Improved] The last selected Export Folder will be suggested for further exports (providing its inside the scope of the current projects Workspace). - [Improved] PDF file improvements. -- Better view positioning inside the exported PDF file. -- Unconsumed flat pattern sketches is now displayed in the PDF <6.0.6> - [Improved] DXF files can now also be categorized into folders by Material or both Material and Thickness. -- If both options have been selected a Material folder will be created and then the related Thickness folders inside the Material folder. - [New] There is now an option to export a PDF file containing a copy of the flat pattern profile. -- The PDF is saved with the same name as the DXF file and in the same folder. -- The bend information is also displayed in the PDF file. --- There is an option to include or exclude the bend notes -- If you are inserting text into the DXF file then the same text will be visible inside the PDF. -- You can control hidden line visibility <6.0.4> - [Improved] Implemented a new digital certificate - [Fixed] Sheet Metal Rule was not always displayed properly on the grid <6.0.3> - [New] New function was added to remove hole (circular) geometry based on the size relative to Plate Thickness <6.0.2> - [Improved] Auto-Unfold routine has been improved to cater for more part types - [Improved] Parts will now be closed after the Auto-Unfold routine has finished creating the flat patterns - [Improved] You now have the option to Hide Inventor window during processing. Processing is slightly faster when hidden. - [Improved] You now have the option to show the explorer window after the exporting has finished. <6.0.1> - Features have been incorporated into 6.0.2 |
|
6.1.16 |
<6.1.16> - [Fix] Bug fixes <6.1.15> - [Improved] Reintroduced the option to override the item Qty's in the table, using the Right-Click context menu. - [Fixed] Options did not always come through after an upgrade and some dropdowns were left empty causing errors while exporting - [Fixed] Other fixes related to exporting manually added files. <6.1.11> - [New] Introduction of application color themes - [Improved] Quick Options with Dock Panel – Can resize collapse or pin it - [Improved] Can edit item rows in Custom Filename table - [Improved] Can edit item rows in Text inside DXF table - [New] New Sheet metal component grid with search and filter options -- Many more properties and unlimited Custom iProperties can be added -- Grid layout can be saved - [New] Save the state of the user interface including Property columns and control sizes. - [New] Hole replacement can be done by Table - [Improved] Option to only export STEP files if the part contains bends - [Improved] Added an option to be Model State aware – Inv 2022+ - [Improved] Added a Bends column to the table which can be used for filtering/sorting - [Improved] PDF Creation Improvements: -- Added an option to use a Drawing Template when generating PDF’s of flat patterns -- You can now specify the PDF sheet size - [Improved] Added an option to include a view of the folded model on the PDF – Sheet 2 - [Improved] Added an option to open the file location by right-clicking on the item in the table - [New] Added an option to override Color and Layer properties of the text items inserted <6.0.8> - [New] Three new properties have been added to be inserted into the DXF file -- "Sheet Metal Extents (X)" -- "Sheet Metal Extents (Y)" -- "Part Length Units" - [Improved] Long filenames are now detected and reported on. A limit of 259 characters are allowed including the Folder path, Filename and File Extension. - [Improved] The last selected Export Folder will be suggested for further exports (providing its inside the scope of the current projects Workspace). - [Improved] PDF file improvements. -- Better view positioning inside the exported PDF file. -- Unconsumed flat pattern sketches is now displayed in the PDF <6.0.6> - [Improved] DXF files can now also be categorized into folders by Material or both Material and Thickness. -- If both options have been selected a Material folder will be created and then the related Thickness folders inside the Material folder. - [New] There is now an option to export a PDF file containing a copy of the flat pattern profile. -- The PDF is saved with the same name as the DXF file and in the same folder. -- The bend information is also displayed in the PDF file. --- There is an option to include or exclude the bend notes -- If you are inserting text into the DXF file then the same text will be visible inside the PDF. -- You can control hidden line visibility <6.0.4> - [Improved] Implemented a new digital certificate - [Fixed] Sheet Metal Rule was not always displayed properly on the grid <6.0.3> - [New] New function was added to remove hole (circular) geometry based on the size relative to Plate Thickness <6.0.2> - [Improved] Auto-Unfold routine has been improved to cater for more part types - [Improved] Parts will now be closed after the Auto-Unfold routine has finished creating the flat patterns - [Improved] You now have the option to Hide Inventor window during processing. Processing is slightly faster when hidden. - [Improved] You now have the option to show the explorer window after the exporting has finished. <6.0.1> - Features have been incorporated into 6.0.2 <6.0.0> *** Activation Is Required - Please email us on ivtools@mgfx.co.za to check if your subscription is active*** - [New] Inventor 2022 Compatibility -- Only supports Inventor 2017 to 2022 - [New] Support added for Model States -- Its now possible to retrieve sheet |
|
6.0.2 |
What's New: <6.0.2> *** No Activation required when upgrading from version 6.x.x *** - [Improved] Auto-Unfold routine has been improved to cater for more part types - [Improved] Parts will now be closed after the Auto-Unfold routine has finished creating the flat patterns - [Improved] You now have the option to Hide Inventor window during processing. Processing is slightly faster when hidden. - [Improved] You now have the option to show the explorer window after the exporting has finished. <6.0.1> - Features have been incorporated into 6.0.2 <6.0.0> *** Activation Is Required - Please email us on ivtools@mgfx.co.za to check if your subscription is active*** - [New] Inventor 2022 Compatibility -- Only supports Inventor 2017 to 2022 - [New] Support added for Model States -- Its now possible to retrieve sheet metal parts of different Model States (formerly known as Level of Details) - [Improved] Scan speed improvement <5.0.9> *** No Activation required when upgrading from version 5.x.x *** - [Improved] Edge-Mark colour is now applied to the edge-mark layer and entities. - [Improved] Updated to latest DXF engine. - [Improved] Improved the robustness of the auto-unfold function. - [Fixed] In a very rare situation of an assembly and a SM part having the same Part Number, the QTY would be incorrect. <5.0.8> - [Improved] Better handling of referenced AnyCAD CAD models <5.0.7> - [New] Added the Comments iProperty as an option for text inside the DXF file. - [Improved] Assembly checking function added to determine if the main assy has missing references. <5.0.6> - [Fixed] In rare cases certain parts were not be added to the Grid automatically. This was caused by very similar Part Numbers being used. - [Fixed] Text inside DXF file (when set to Auto Size) would be calculated incorrectly depending on your PC's decimal symbol. <5.0.5> - [Improved] Added 'File Name' option to Custom DXF file naming mechanism. - [Improved] Added 'File Name' option to Text Inside DXF file mechanism. <5.0.4> - [Improved] Total QTY has been changed to be Part Number OR File Name based, depending on your Row Merge setting of your Inventor BOM. <5.0.3> - [New] Added the Top-Center justification option for when adding text inside the DXF file. - [Improved] Added the ability to use Custom iPropeties inside the filename - [Improved] When defining a custom filename, the option to define alternative text for when a property is blank or empty, has been added. - [New] Added help videos for How To create custom filename and text inside DXF files. - [New] Content Center files will also be scanned and added to the grid for processing - If option is set <5.0.2> - [Improved] Auto-Unfold function. - [Fixed] "Browse for Parts" and "Add Folder" options now works normally again. Previously files added with these functions failed export. <5.0.1> - [Fixed] Text position mechanism was generating wrong coordinates. - [Fixed] Edge Marks lengths were calculated incorrectly. <5.0.0> *** Activation Is Required - Please email us on ivtools@mgfx.co.za to check if your subscription is active*** - Inventor 2021 Compatibility - [New] Ability to add notch circles at start and end point of bend lines. - [New] Edge Marks can now be offset to form a gap between the contour and edge mark. - [Improved] When the bend line is too small for two edge marks to replace it, a single edge mark line will be inserted. - [Improved] The text insertion options have changed to give more flexibility of text created inside the DXF file. - [New] Options and settings can now be saved to file and easily recalled using the new Options File dropdown. |
|
5.0.2 |
What's New: <5.0.2> *** No Activation required when upgrading from version 5.x.x *** - [Improved] Auto-Unfold function. - [Fixed] "Browse for Parts" and "Add Folder" options now works normally again. Previously files added with these functions failed export. <5.0.1> - [Fixed] Text position mechanism was generating wrong coordinates. - [Fixed] Edge Marks lengths were calculated incorrectly. <5.0.0> *** Activation Is Required - Please email us on ivtools@mgfx.co.za to check if your subscription is active*** - Inventor 2021 Compatibility - [New] Ability to add notch circles at start and end point of bend lines. - [New] Edge Marks can now be offset to form a gap between the contour and edge mark. - [Improved] When the bend line is too small for two edge marks to replace it, a single edge mark line will be inserted. - [Improved] The text insertion options have changed to give more flexibility of text created inside the DXF file. - [New] Options and settings can now be saved to file and easily recalled using the new Options File dropdown. <4.6.9> *** No Activation required when upgrading from version 4.6.x *** - Fixed the issue where you cannot copy the DXF entities to the clipboard after opening the DXF file in AutoCAD. <4.6.8> - Bug fixes - Added the option to include Flat Pattern Extents as part of the DXF filename. - Added option to create DXF files in a relative folder path inside your project workspaces. - Added option of categorising DXF files in folders by thickness. <4.6.7> - Bug fixes. <4.6.6> - iPorpoety text color is now assigned the text layer instead of the text object directly. <4.6.5> - Fixed an issue where on PC's with a comma as a decimal symbol, an error will be logged when adding iProperty text to the DXF file. <4.6.4> - Added an option to include/scan Purchased Parts and Assemblies. - Added a string replace function for Custom Filenames. <4.6.3> - Added the option to specify different values for Bend Down and Bend Up Edge marks. - Added an option to specify how the "Flip" or orientate the flat pattern before exporting. This is useful if you want all the Bends to face Up for instance. <4.6.2> - Bug fixes - Added the option to be able to specify Edge Mark Up and Down offset values. <4.6.1> - Fixed an issue with empty Custom filename config. - Expanded the log file grid to include more properties and information. - Added a Save button on each settings tab. <4.6.0> - Added Inventor 2020 Support - Added Bend lines Line Type options <4.5.5> - Fixed the text position bug <4.5.4> - Added Filename Customization video - Fixed the Merged BOM Row detection function - Added a Restart button to clear grids for when you want to start again - Bug fixes |
|
4.6.9 |
<4.6.9> *** No Activation required when upgrading from version 4.6.x *** - Fixed the issue where you cannot copy the DXF entities to the clipboard after opening the DXF file in Autodesk® AutoCAD®. <4.6.8> - Bug fixes - Added the option to include Flat Pattern Extents as part of the DXF filename - Added option to create DXF files in a relative folder path inside your project workspaces - Added option of categorizing DXF files in folders by the thickness <4.6.7> - Bug fixes <4.6.6> - iPorpoety text color is now assigned the text layer instead of the text object directly <4.6.5> - Fixed an issue where on PC's with a comma as a decimal symbol, an error will be logged when adding iProperty text to the DXF file <4.6.4> - Added an option to include/scan Purchased Parts and Assemblies - Added a string replace function for Custom Filenames <4.6.3> - Added the option to specify different values for Bend Down and Bend Up Edge marks - Added an option to specify how the "Flip" or orientate the flat pattern before exporting. This is useful if you want all the Bends to face Up for instance. <4.6.2> - Bug fixes - Added the option to be able to specify Edge Mark Up and Down offset values <4.6.1> - Fixed an issue with empty Custom filename config - Expanded the log file grid to include more properties and information - Added a Save button on each settings tab 4.6.0 - Added Inventor 2020 Support - Added Bend lines Line Type options 4.5.5 - Fixed the text position bug 4.5.4 - Added Filename Customization video - Fixed the Merged BOM Row detection function - Added a Restart button to clear grids for when you want to start again - Bug fixes 4.5.3 - Added Quickstart Tutorial video - Bug fixes 4.5.2 - Bug fixes 4.5.1 - Better performance - DXF File Version Setting - Export a STEP File - Additional Custom iProperty - Ability to Specify a Font - Update Thumbnail preview when using Arrow Keys - Better Logging - Persistent Application Settings - Update Checking - Bend Line Edge Marks - Trim Bend Lines |
|
4.6.0 |
4.6.0 - Added Inventor 2020 Support - Added Bend lines Line Type options 4.5.5 - Fixed the text position bug 4.5.4 - Added Filename Customization video - Fixed the Merged BOM Row detection function - Added a Restart button to clear grids for when you want to start again - Bug fixes 4.5.3 - Added Quickstart Tutorial video - Bug fixes 4.5.2 - Bug fixes 4.5.1 - Better performance - DXF File Version Setting - Export a STEP File - Additional Custom iProperty - Ability to Specify a Font - Update Thumbnail preview when using Arrow Keys - Better Logging - Persistent Application Settings - Update Checking - Bend Line Edge Marks - Trim Bend Lines |
|
4.5.5 |
Better performance DXF File Version Setting Export a STEP File Additional Custom iProperty Ability to Specify a Font for text inside dxf file Better Logging Bend Line Edge Marks Trim Bend Lines |
|
4.2.0 |
Added Inventor 2019 support |
|
4.1.2 |
Bug Fixes Better navigation |
|
4.0.1 |
Bug Fixes |
|
4.0.0 |
Inventor 2018 Compatibility |
|
3.7.7 |
Added ability to move text to negative quadrant. |
|
3.7.1 |
Added a filename configurator Added a QTY multiplier Bug fixes |
|
3.6.2 |
Bug fixes and Trial lic implementation |
|
3.2.0 |
Added Inventor 2016 support |
|
3.1.3 |
Added functionality where the “Remove Center Marks” option will now also remove the "Tool center" marks. |
|
3.1.2 |
Added new options to add files to the grid Added new export options Intruduced a log file for tracking progress in all functions Progress bar implementation accross the application Ability to save DXF files in the same folder as Inventor part files More informative tooltips some more user requested features. |
|
3.0.10 |
Fixed a small Spline simplification issue |
|
3.0.7 |
Change inside installer to cater for upgrades from previous versions |
|
3.0.6 |
.net 4.5 dependency detection & installation now working |
|
3.0.5 |
Inventor 2015 compatibility New interface New iProperties support Can overwrite or increment exported files Detect merged BOM rows with varying part file names |
|
2.1.3 |
Minor bug fixes |
|
2.1.2 |
Improved the activation dialogue Added a splash screen during installation to explain how to start the app. |
