Customizing AutoCad (scripts/vba, etc...)
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Customizing AutoCad (scripts/vba, etc...)
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone had any experience customizing AutoCAD to better suite ski design and machining. I am very familiar with using the AutoCAD command lines, and pretty familiar with using the software. I have never created a script, or a macro to run in the program. I know it can be done and is based off the command prompts.
I am interested in writing code to generate core files, template files, etc.. off of a ski outline. I am interested in doing something similar to the Solidworks add-ins described in this thread. viewtopic.php?t=3265
I know it is possible to customize AutoCAD to do just about anything, I am wondering if anyone has done this before or has any advice.
Thanks
I was wondering if anyone had any experience customizing AutoCAD to better suite ski design and machining. I am very familiar with using the AutoCAD command lines, and pretty familiar with using the software. I have never created a script, or a macro to run in the program. I know it can be done and is based off the command prompts.
I am interested in writing code to generate core files, template files, etc.. off of a ski outline. I am interested in doing something similar to the Solidworks add-ins described in this thread. viewtopic.php?t=3265
I know it is possible to customize AutoCAD to do just about anything, I am wondering if anyone has done this before or has any advice.
Thanks
- threeninethree
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I'd like a copy of that. Check your messages.
Fighting gravity on a daily basis
www.Whiteroomcustomskis.com
www.Whiteroomcustomskis.com
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Here's a Excel spreadsheet I've been using to help me figure out the dimensions for ski building, cost of materials and profit/loss calcs. Feel free to download and modify it to suite your needs.
The ski core calculator is the second sheet. Enter your finished ski/board dims in the yellow area. The rest is calculated for you. I also have some default numbers I use that are in blue. Yours maybe different.
Email me any question you may have about it.
The ski core calculator is the second sheet. Enter your finished ski/board dims in the yellow area. The rest is calculated for you. I also have some default numbers I use that are in blue. Yours maybe different.
Email me any question you may have about it.
- MontuckyMadman
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Yup, 333. I unprotected the cells so it's more flexible and tweaked it a bit.MontuckyMadman wrote:Thats the 333 speadhseet right?
kirol i think is talking about tool paths so you dont have to reprogram for every new core profile i think?
i have no idea how to ddo that
btw- Was it Rich who was creating a more versatile version of SnoCAD-X?
Hey guys,
Thanks for the help and the spreadsheet.
What I am trying to do is automate the AutoCAD process. With every ski that is designed, a few other files are generated based off the ski file. I follow basically the exact same steps every time I make a supporting file (ie core, template, etc.
There are ways to make applications that run within AutoCAD that could automatically make all other template files by running an application or a script within the file. The problem is I don't know how to program user input from a mouse. Scripts are basically set up as a screen of keyboard commands. For actions like offset and trim that require the user to click a point or a line I am not sure how to do that with keyboard input. I consider myself to be pretty competent in AutoCAD and I feel like with some sort of example or tutorial I could figure out how to do the task I am trying to complete. I have looked at a few tutorials but none of them perform very complex tasks, they were mostly for plotting or inserting blocks. I couldn't find any tutorials or examples similar to my application.
Thanks for the help and the spreadsheet.
What I am trying to do is automate the AutoCAD process. With every ski that is designed, a few other files are generated based off the ski file. I follow basically the exact same steps every time I make a supporting file (ie core, template, etc.
There are ways to make applications that run within AutoCAD that could automatically make all other template files by running an application or a script within the file. The problem is I don't know how to program user input from a mouse. Scripts are basically set up as a screen of keyboard commands. For actions like offset and trim that require the user to click a point or a line I am not sure how to do that with keyboard input. I consider myself to be pretty competent in AutoCAD and I feel like with some sort of example or tutorial I could figure out how to do the task I am trying to complete. I have looked at a few tutorials but none of them perform very complex tasks, they were mostly for plotting or inserting blocks. I couldn't find any tutorials or examples similar to my application.
- threeninethree
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What you are asking is a fairly heavy coding job, not simply a string of commands.
Your best bet is to post your question on the Autodesk customization forum:
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/AutoCAD-C ... /ct-p/1002
Your best bet is to post your question on the Autodesk customization forum:
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/AutoCAD-C ... /ct-p/1002
~ Matt
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They are called LISP routines. This looks to be fairly promising:
http://www.draftsperson.net/index.php?t ... rogramming
I have some co-workers that have created routines for monotonous tasks. I haven't completely looked through the link above, but I'll give it a read tomorrow at work and see what I can find and touch base with a few co-workers. I've been working with CAD for 10 years or so now. I've actually thought of doing a similar thing. The tough part will be the program design to break it down to its simple command forms. Could be the next revolution??! Maybe.
Thanks for the spreadsheet SD! I love me some excel.
I hope to post some progress before the snow flies!
http://www.draftsperson.net/index.php?t ... rogramming
I have some co-workers that have created routines for monotonous tasks. I haven't completely looked through the link above, but I'll give it a read tomorrow at work and see what I can find and touch base with a few co-workers. I've been working with CAD for 10 years or so now. I've actually thought of doing a similar thing. The tough part will be the program design to break it down to its simple command forms. Could be the next revolution??! Maybe.
Thanks for the spreadsheet SD! I love me some excel.
I hope to post some progress before the snow flies!
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TahoePowder-
Thanks for the links, research and help. I plan to further pursue this later in the fall when I have more time out side of work. I have been buried lately. I read the tutorials and they seem fairly straightforward, I just need to dedicate a large block of time to this. I am definitely interested in seeing what your co workers have to say.
Thanks
Thanks for the links, research and help. I plan to further pursue this later in the fall when I have more time out side of work. I have been buried lately. I read the tutorials and they seem fairly straightforward, I just need to dedicate a large block of time to this. I am definitely interested in seeing what your co workers have to say.
Thanks