Block Manager - batch exporting using DXF file format

Rhino
1

Hi

Its possible to batch export parts from the block manager using 3dm format and one is able to export individual blocks in a DXF format but not batch - is there a work around that allows batch DXF exporting?

Thanks

2

The only workaround I know is to use a Grasshopper script.

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This one writes out all blocks to DXF.

3

Hi

this looks promising however I do not know how to start with grasshopper

4

Hi IanB,

You can start Grasshopper via the Rhino command line or the button on standard tool bar.

Most of the components you see there are in the Rhino Tab. Let us know if you need more help.

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5

Hi Scott & Japhy,

Thank you for your help on this. I’ve been busy with another task and am now returning to it.

I have no experience with Grasshopper and tried creating the script but wasn’t able to identify some of the modules. Is the script available for download?

Thanks again!

6

Here is the definition Scott recommended.

R8-ExportBlocksToDxf.gh (11.3 KB)

7

Hi Japhy
Thanks for sharing the module. I very fresh when it comes to Grasshopper. How do you activate the module? At the moment I just see my original blocks and then duplicates (unable to select) in their home position.

8

Hi Ian -

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When you open the Grasshopper file, right-click on the File Path component and pick the “Select new file location” option. Type a name and Save.
Back in Grasshopper, click the “Export” button at the bottom of the Export Model Block Definition component.
-wim

9

Hi All

It worked! Thank you all for helping me on this one. Its really useful to be able to do batch exporting using dxf for fabrication especially when there 10s or 100s of parts to export.

Maybe in v9 there could be an option directly in the block manager to batch export but for now the Grasshopper is an excellent work around.

There are a few questions I have..

  1. For the Grasshopper script to work one has to presave a filename that is then inserted in all files - is it possible not having the name inserted as it changes my name filing system?

  2. Imagine a large Rhino file containing 100s of blocks each representing a part that needs to be laser cut, I use my own naming system that uses lettering and numbers. At various stages of the project I may require a certain family of parts. In the block manager I can use the search box to filter my parts and then export (as we know its a 3dm file) - is there an option to do the same (selected batch) in grasshopper? As an example I have six blocks and I just want to export those with ‘01’ in their block name.

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Appreciate everyone’s assistance.