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Can't get 2D section export to work (by blinkenlight)
Maybe I'm misunderstanding something, but I thought the "export 2D section" is supposed to slice the current object along a plane and export the outline of the solid intersecting the plane. However, all I get is empty export files (no content) no matter what format or section plane I try. Tried to use a workplane, tried to use a point and two normals, tried all formats, nothing works; the file is always created and is always empty. For a stupid-simple example I attach below a test object I tried. I'm using Solvespace 3.1~7bde63c. Can anybody section this thing? How...?
(no subject) (by Paul)
I think it only exports existing curves in the plane. Not sure if that's limited to sketch entities or not.
(no subject) (by Tom)
I guess draw a big rectangle, then extrude as difference to cut and create the curves you want, then export section?
(no subject) (by blinkenlight)
@Tom I suppose that does work, but if this is indeed intended behavior than it's an enormously disappointing one. Even the help message says "Please select: nothing, with an active workplane (workplane is section plane)" - that does not make sense at all if it's supposed to mean "...after you drew a large thing in that workplane first, then extruded it as a difference in a second group...". That is the exact sort of thing "Save section" should just be doing in the background invisibly for you, not to mention that dealing with a complex object already moving at seconds-per-frame speed adding two new workplanes is extremely cumbersome and extremely likely to crash Solvespace in the process. I may just have to agree to disagree with the devs if this is intended, because it's a bug in my book - but it would still be nice to see some official word on this...
(no subject) (by Paul)
Export 2D section works for me by selecting any flat face of a 3D model. I could not get it to work by selecting a workplane though. It does not export entities and will export all edges of the solid that lie in the plane.
As I understand it, the feature was mainly intended for generating G-code for CNC but can also export SVG and PDF. It will include the Cutter Radius setting in the export regardless of which format you export so you may want to set that to zero.
As I understand it, the feature was mainly intended for generating G-code for CNC but can also export SVG and PDF. It will include the Cutter Radius setting in the export regardless of which format you export so you may want to set that to zero.
(no subject) (by blinkenlight)
Yeah, I have a similar experience; it's just that I don't always have a convenient flat face to section by. For instance, I'm trying to fit a "as large as possible" vertically set PCB inside a slightly complex plastic box, and a dxf-formatted section would practically deliver me the PCB outline - but obviously there are no faces sectioning the box vertically at its middle point. And yes, I totally can just work back from the internal dimensions of the box and yes I can do the "cut half of it off temporarily" thing to get what I need - it just feels like a monumentally cludgy way to get something that every 3D CAD software should be able to do in its sleep, with its hands tied behind its back - many even let you drag the section plane back and forth in real time; and since the command was right there in the menu, I figured it actually does what it says. Sadly, that doesn't seem to be the case.
(no subject) (by blinkenlight)
@Paul sorry, I haven't realized before who I was talking to. I guess I have the "official word" I was asking for. I'll shut up now, just taking a moment to thank you for carrying this thing forward.
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