Does Zemax output 3D DXF ?
Tom Hubin
When I last used Zemax (version 6.0) I could produce a DXF file for a 2D
layout but could not produce a DXF file for a 3D layout.
Anyting with a tilted surface like a mirror or a splitter or an offset
like a decentered lens was considered by Zemax to be 3D, even though it
was a 2D layout to me.
I again have a need for mirrors, splitters, and decentered lenses. But I
also want to pass the info on to the mechanical engineers. DXF files
would be ok. Other vector file types might also work with the ME's CAD
software (likely Vellum or AutoCad but maybe some other).
Can the latest Zemax (version 10?) produce a DXF file (or some other CAD
compatible vector file) for a 3D layout? If so, is the process straight
forward?
What other ray trace software will produce a common 3D vector type
graphics file for a layout with splitters, mirrors, and decentered
lenses?
Tom Hubin
thu...@earthlink.net
Doug Sinclair
than Zemax. In addition, it's free. Go to www.lambdares.com or
www.sinopt.com to download the software.
-Doug
"Tom Hubin" <thu...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:3D064B...@earthlink.net...
Acme Optics
>OSLO LT produces 3D DXF files, and has more extensive tilt-decenter options
>than Zemax. In addition, it's free. Go to www.lambdares.com or
>www.sinopt.com to download the software.
>
>-Doug
Ahem!
ACCOS-V has a more extensive tilt-decenter option than ZEMAX. :-)
My program, Roadrunner has more tilt/decenter options than any other
optical design program, by the way. It is a Super set of CODE-V and
ACCOS-V features.
Jim Klein
Robin Hull
>
> When I last used Zemax (version 6.0) I could produce a DXF file for a 2D
> layout but could not produce a DXF file for a 3D layout.
>
> Anyting with a tilted surface like a mirror or a splitter or an offset
> like a decentered lens was considered by Zemax to be 3D, even though it
> was a 2D layout to me.
>
> I again have a need for mirrors, splitters, and decentered lenses. But I
> also want to pass the info on to the mechanical engineers. DXF files
> would be ok. Other vector file types might also work with the ME's CAD
> software (likely Vellum or AutoCad but maybe some other).
>
> Can the latest Zemax (version 10?) produce a DXF file (or some other CAD
> compatible vector file) for a 3D layout? If so, is the process straight
> forward?
I have been using IGES for some years to export 3D systems from Zemax
to Pro Engineer and SolidWorks. Zemax 10 also outputs STEP, SAT & BDF
but I haven't used them myself.
Generating an IGES file takes only three or four mouse clicks.
Elliot Burke
tilt/decenter features than any other optical design program. They are also
each easier to use than the others, and more logically organized.
Zemax has exported 3D DXF's for some time, probably at least since version
6. They are found under analysis/layout/wireframe/settings menu. This is,
as you might imagine, only a wireframe, not an ACIS solid.
IGES, SAT and STEP files are also exported from Zemax, it is easy to import
these into any up to date CAD program.
They can also be imported into Zemax from a CAD program , a very handy
feature for modeling prisms. Is there any other way to accurately model a
corner cube retroreflector, made like this one:
http://www.edmundoptics.com/IOD/DisplayProduct.cfm?Productid=2048
By accurately I mean it includes the cylindrical edge with ground finish as
well as the circular entrance face and three plane retro faces. Must be
able to raytrace rays from any direction or position entering prism.
While you're at it include the ground bevel.
Going the other way, from IGES to SolidWorks, there are some possible
gotchas.
Any interest in hearing about them?
Elliot Burke
"Acme Optics" <acmeo...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:o8adgus2qscjk2qir...@4ax.com...
Jim Patrick
>Going the other way, from IGES to SolidWorks, there are some possible
>gotchas. Any interest in hearing about them?
Sure.
Tom Hubin
But will RoadRunner output a vector graphics file for a layout that has
decenters and tilts...something that I can give to a mechanical engineer
so that he can build the system around it with a CAD package?
Tom Hubin
thu...@earthlink.net
********************************************************
Acme Optics
>Hello Jim Klein,
>
>But will RoadRunner output a vector graphics file for a layout that has
>decenters and tilts...something that I can give to a mechanical engineer
>so that he can build the system around it with a CAD package?
Roadrunner outputs a vector graphics 3D-DXF file. You can output to
this file:
1: The centerline (line through aperture centers)
2. Any and all traced rays
3 Clear Aperture boundaries
4. Obscuration boundaries
5. Local YZ and XZ surface profiles
Everything in Roadrunner, including the above, works in full 3D
systems with any tilts and decenters.
All the DXF utilities have been tested by importation into a 3D copy
or Turbo CAD which I use for testing. All lines are Polylines and they
follow the true surface shapes.
DeVon Griffin
DeVon Griffin
>>> When I last used Zemax (version 6.0) I could produce a DXF file for a 2D
>>> layout but could not produce a DXF file for a 3D layout.
>>>
>>> Anyting with a tilted surface like a mirror or a splitter or an offset
>>> like a decentered lens was considered by Zemax to be 3D, even though it
>>> was a 2D layout to me.
This is a very old version of Zemax and not at all comparable to the
latest. Also, you did not state which level of Zemax you used. (EE,
SE,XE) In any event, you might want to double-check the 3D layout
menu to make sure that it can't export DXF in 3D. Exporting is
window-specific. . .see below.
>>>
>>> I again have a need for mirrors, splitters, and decentered lenses. But I
>>> also want to pass the info on to the mechanical engineers. DXF files
>>> would be ok. Other vector file types might also work with the ME's CAD
>>> software (likely Vellum or AutoCad but maybe some other).
>>>
>>> Can the latest Zemax (version 10?) produce a DXF file (or some other CAD
>>> compatible vector file) for a 3D layout? If so, is the process straight
>>> forward?
>>>
The 2D window in version 10 (I like to stay current) exports 2D to DXF
and the 3D window exports 3D to DXF. Other file types are available.
I think you can download the manual from their web site to verify that
it does exactly what you need.
We had a Zemax course here a couple of months ago. During the course,
one of the students brought in a file for a really weirdly-shaped
object for scattering/stray light analysis. I forget the format, but
it imported instantly and we obtained some very helpful results.
DeVon Griffin