I'm drawing a set of ribs that will be laser cut and have a few questions. Trying to make it as easy as possible for whoever does the import from an AutoCAD drawing into the cutting software. A few things I already know...
Ribs need to be completely joined polylines to keep the laser from excess starting and stopping.
Make a cut sheet that fits the stock being cut.
Scale parts up 0.006 to compensate for the kerf.
I was told at one time to save each part in a separate file before adding it to the cut sheet. Not sure why..
Now the question: I need to add building tabs to the botton of the ribs (see drawing). What is needed to cut slots so the building tabs can easily be removed? Can I just break the line at say 1/8 inch segments between the tab and the rib? Any tips on the easiest way to do this with multiple ribs in AutoCAD?
Bob, yes, most of your info is correct. One thing to consider is making "laser breaks" so the parts stay attached to the sheets ratther than falling out and getting lost or broken.
Making laser breaks is simple, I draw a line across the parts, then offset 1/8'. Next copy, using multiple copy, and place thse lines at loctions where you want the laser breaks.
Laser breaks seem to work best at 1/8" for balsa. and 1/16' or 1/32" for plywood.
Now use the trim command, and highlight all these lines you just created.
Zoom in and trim the line segments from between the highlighted lines. after you've done this, erase the cut lines.
As for the tabs, I use the break command, and insert several breaks on the part line b etween the uprights of the tabs.
Many modern airfoil programs will set up the tabs, but i know of none that will set up the line breaks for them.
I personally use Compufoil 3D, and though it was not free, it has prooven to be a good value, and does all I need it to do.
Topic: Drawing Ribs for laser ??? (Read 1679 times)