With this new feature of Inplot, and working with AutoCad, you can start with a solid model of the raw stock and cut it with the first operation program, then make a wireframe of the result and put that in the operation sheet and dimension it. Then cut the model for the next operation, and so on. All without leaving AutoCad.

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Start new AutoCad session in Inplot Configuration-Screen. Check "Display Tool in AutoCad".

2. When AutoCad is started, Load solid model that you want to cut. Orient it in the world coordinate system like it would be on the machine

Inplot whatever solid is in the group called "Part". So first make the "Part" group. You only have to do this once for the life of the model.

Optionally, for rotary table programs, you can make groups for the rotary table and rotate it. Make a group of all the items that rotate called "ROTARYA" (after you make the part group). When Inplot plots a table rotation in the program it will rotate the group around the A, B or C axis in the world coordinate system. Config-Plotting-Use Rotary must be checked for this. Rotary tables have to start at 0° in the program. When the Reset button is pressed, Inplot thinks the rotary table is at 0°, so you may have to give it an axis command to get it back into position. Also see Configure-Axis.

3. In Inplot use tool size comment codes (TM .5) and it will create a tool of that size in AutoCad. A second and third parameter can be used to indicate bottom corner radius and height of tool. (TM 3,0,.125) would make a tool like a saw 3.0 in dia and .125 thick. when it cuts the part it will cut only the thickness of the tool. The default tool height is 2.0

To unlink Inplot from AutoCAD so you can go back to normal operations, Click Main Menu - View - Reset.

1. Sometimes it bombs out on arc moves. I think this is from inherent weaknesses in Autocad's ability to do complicated operations. Sometimes I can fix it by breaking up the arc in the program. You can use the Comment Code TAS around lines in program that give trouble.

2. This currently only supports cutting without any corner radius on the tool. This is adequte to check the cuts on the part in most cases. (although it will show the tool with the radius if you use the comment code with corner radius:(TM 1.0,.125).

Cuts with tool radius may be too complicated for AutoCad to do because of the need to have intersecting radii on top of intersecting radii.

"Invalid Axis" -- when loading a new comment code tool. Check to see if the world coordinate axis symbol is going the right way. Sometime this gets mixed up.

"General Modeling Error" -- Solid cut operation is too complex for AutoCad to do. This deletes the whole part. AutoCad tells why in the text area. Plotting stops. You can press the Undo button in AutoCad a couple of times to get the part back. You have to skip that line in the program. You can use the Comment Code TAS around lines in program that give trouble.

Inplot lost connection with AutoCad. Either by closing AutoCad or deleting the part or window.

"Type Mismatch" -- The 3dSolid may need to be exploded from a block reference before making a group.

"Automation error - Call was rejected by callee" -- means AutoCAD has some command still active so it can't do the function. Cancel any active commands in AutoCAD that are waiting for user input.

4. Checking only "Display Tool in Autocad" will move a solid tool around without cutting the part.