We are talking about prints and conversions of drawings: finally design is over, and it’s time to share the drawings with colleagues, vendors, and other users who can’t open native inventor files.
Inventor allows you to export drawings in various formats:
- .pdf, this is pretty much the common language: almost every pc comes with a pdf reader so anyone can view and print .pdfs. The advantage of this format is obvious; But often .pdf alone is not enough: for instance when someone needs to make measurements, copy shapes, etc.
- .dwg and .dxf formats solve the problem of accessing geometry, measuring, copying shapes, and so on; also generally CAM programs can read .dwg/.pdf directly. So if you have to post process the drawings, those are the right format. But if you just want to visualize or print drawings, you need dedicated programs, or at least a visualizer, which are not always available.
- DWF and DWFx, present the contents in a very convenient way, the viewer is free and allows you to print, take measures, etc. Conversely, it can’t be opened directly from CAM programs, and many people do not like the idea of installing a dedicated package;
- Printing on paper: it sounds a bit old-fashioned, and the big binders with all machining drawings stuffed in are surely outdated, but paper is still and often good for design reviews, discussion, use in the workshop;
In conclusion, when you finish your work you have many .IDW drawings, and you need to publish quickly in another format. Options:
- Open each .idw and Export;
- Use task scheduler or other utilities;
- Use illogic or VBA procedures to automate operations;
All are good options, yet we can add an item to the list:
Solution 1: ToDoT CAD Automation Start
Todot CAD Automation Start automatically extracts from the assembly the list of parts and subassemblies, finds the drawings and makes automatic conversion in the chosen format: DWG, DXF, PDF, DWF, DWFx. No manual activity (open, export, choose the path) for all the drawings.
Everything is based on a very simple graphical interface, which displays the assembly with its subgroups and drawings. By selecting any item you can see its preview and you can choose what to include or not in the conversions.
Solution 2: ToDoT CAD Automation Premium
ToDoT CAD Automation Premium has the same interface and features as the Start version; Plus it handles paper printout: here, as well, just point the assembly and the program finds all the components drawings and prints them to the right printer according to the format; with the ability to customize the process, make small prints, and so on.
…bonus solution:
ToDoT CAD Automation Premium is programmable and customizable, so you can integrate on-demand features such as adding stamps, adding notes, and so on.
Are you interested in our solutions?
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