Simplifying A Sketch For Cutting With Laser
This is a useful, but hidden tool inside Solidworks called "Fit Spline". If you have had a DXF from a part that is imported geometry or the like, then this tool is for you. It is quick and easy, and reduce the complexity of your models, and reduce or eliminate the pausing of your laser at end of entities or nodes.
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Step 1: Find the Fit Spline Command
Type "Fit Spline" in the search field at the top RH corner in Solidworks. Make sure that "Command is Chosen"
I use it quite a bit, so I have the "F" key mapped to it for one of my "Keyboard Shortcuts"
Now that you found the icon or executable for the "Fit Spline" command, proceed to the next step.
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Step 2: Fit Spline Dialog Box
With the "Fit Spline Dialog Box" open.
Click the "Delete Geometry" box, and make sure the "Closed Spline" is not checked for the next step. Accept the defaults for everything else.
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Step 3: Choose Entities
Choose the entities to simplify, this can be the following
Splines
Lines
Polylines
Arcs
(Am I forgetting any?)
Now click the green check button to complete the command.
You now have one complete spline.
This will not work if I had selected either of the Polylines adjoining the middle part of the "E" as it will change the shape and add radii.
Try to remember to not choose entities at right angles, unless that is your design intent.
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Step 4: Optional Step "Chosing Entities Faster"
In Solidworks you can choose entities faster by right clicking on an entity and choose "Select Chain" or Window Select.
Remember Window select has a different outcome when selecting from Right to Left and Left to Right.
A. When selecting Right to Left: Anything inside and touching the window is selected.
B. When selecting Left to Right: Anything inside the window is selected only.
