SolveSpace Logo SOLVESPACE -- parametric 2d/3d CAD
Examples
Tutorials
Features
Download
Reference
Technology
Library
Forum
Contact
USER FORUM

(you are viewing a thread; or go back to list of threads)

Automatically create constraints for dxf import (by TT-392)
I am working on a mechanical keyboard pcb in kicad. I am designing a case for this keyboard, for which I thought I'd try solvespace.

My pcb has a rather complex shape. Therefore just drawing it is gonna be a lot of work, so I thought I'd import a dxf. The problem with this is however that you end up with a shape with no constraints.

I could add angle constraints to every set of connected lines, and a length constraint to every line. Also, tangent and diameter constraints to curves. But that would be a lot of work. Is there some way to automate this process. Because right now the dxf import seems a little useless, except I guess as a reference.

Therefore, I was wondering, is there some way to easily constrain a complex dxf import?
Thu Oct 13 2022, 15:39:29
(no subject) (by Paul)
You might try exporting the PCB as IDF (.emn), which can be "linked" in Solvespace. I'm not a fan of doing that as a base for building on, as its fragile but it may work.
Thu Oct 13 2022, 17:43:05
(no subject) (by TT-392)
I think that sadly isn't gonna work for me. I am not trying to import a 3d model of the pcb (though it may be nice as reference for something in the future).

The thing I was hoping to be able to do, was to just import the board outline, from which I could create the walls of my case. And then, on another layer, draw a bunch of shapes, where there should be indents in the case, to make space for parts.

Those cutouts on that user layer aren't anywhere in the resulting emn file (I am pretty sure). And they would be a lot of work to manually do in solvespace.

I think solvespace probably just isn't really the right tool for this project, so I guess I am back to blender for this. I'll save the solvespace learning for some different project in the future.
Mon Oct 17 2022, 11:20:31
(no subject) (by Tom)
Do you actually need to constrain the lines from the DXF? If they're already in the right place, then that shouldn't be necessary. You can still extrude them, constrain other things against them, etc.; just be careful not to bump them accidentally.
Mon Oct 17 2022, 12:50:18
(no subject) (by TT-392)
Not accidentally bumping stuff is easier said than done. With the stuff I tried, it seems really easy to add a constraint somewhere, and for something to change in the dxf, with me noticing way too late.
Wed Oct 26 2022, 14:00:37
(no subject) (by Tom)
You could import the DXF into a.slvs, then link a.slvs into b.slvs. The linked geometry will be un-bumpable in b.slvs.
Wed Oct 26 2022, 14:09:37
(no subject) (by Paul)
Not accidentally moving stuff is hard because we deliberately allow you to move thing is groups prior to the one you're working on.

You could open the file and immediately save it as .slvs and then link the slvs file into a new sketch. Linked files are frozen so there will be no accidental changes.
Wed Oct 26 2022, 14:10:33
Post a reply to this comment:
Your Name:
Your Email:
Subject:
(no HTML tags; use plain text, and hit Enter for a line break)
Attached file (if you want, 5 MB max):
© 2008-2022 SolveSpace contributors. Most recent update June 2 2022.