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hsbExport | Export to BTL

This article will give you information on how to export to BTL.

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Before you start exporting don’t forget to number all your entities. More information about numbering entities can be found in the article: Add numbering. > hsbInOutput\Apply Numbering

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Select the option hsbCAM\Element export\Cnc Exporter.

OR select the Exporter in the Ribbon

This will open the CNC Exporter dialog box.

Select all Entities in drawing option to export.

The destination location (default is will be stored in the folder where the drawing is situated).

Select all entities in drawingThis will run the exporter with all the entities in the drawing.Select floor levels in floor level listThis will run the exporter with the floor levels that you have picked in the floor level list.Select floors levels by elements in drawingThis will run the exporter using the floor levels when you pick one of the elements in a certain floor level.Select current floor levelThis will run the exporter using the floor level that you are in.Select elements in drawingThis will run the exporter with all elements that you select.

CNC group

Select a Cnc Group(if you haven’t made a group yet see ‘’How to create an Export\group” in the hsbExporter document).
Deselect the Start generator in config mode (config mode means that the Export manager will open, in the Export Manager you can set all your settings and create a group, you don’t need to select the config mode (Export manager) all the time) Read the hsbExporter document.
Select the destination location (default it will be stored in the folder where the drawing is located)
Select OK.
Your BTL file has been created in the folder of your destination.

Destination folder

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Optional: set the destination location (by default the export will be stored in the folder where the drawing is located).

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Your BTL file has been created in the folder of your destination.

Export Settings Tab

Settings tab

In the Export Settings tab you can find all kinds of information about the machine export.

You can set your specific options.

File

File name format
Specifies the format of the output file names. How the format is resolved depends on the context. The following are examples for Element context:
@(ElementNumber), @(ElementType), @(PlateDescription), hsbGroup context examples are: @(GroupName), @(GroupLevel1), @(GroupLevel 2) .... Also GenBeam properties can be used @(SolidHeight), @(Width) ... Other special functions are L,R,S,U for Left, Right, Substring, Upper as in @(GroupName:L5). The following are also often used: @(ProjectDwgName), @(ProjectDir), @(ProjectNumber), @(ProjectName)

File name format context
The context for resolving the file name and output path format variables.

Output Path Format
The relative path under which the output file will be created. The parent path is controlled by the exporter itself. How the format is resolved depends on the grouping.

Zero parts file settings

Settings for files which do not contain any parts. Format resolving for these properties is done against the project.

Export zero parts files
Specifies whether empty files are created or not. An empty file only contains a header and no part definitions.

File name format
Specifies the format of the output file names for empty files. The format is resolved against the project. If left blank the project name is used as default.

Output Path Format
The relative path under which the empty output file will be created. The parent path is controlled by the exporter itself. The format is resolved against the project.

General

BTL machine
Specifies machine type for whish the BTL is to be generated.

Btl parameter precision
The precision of double values inside the BTL file. Translates into the SCALEUNIT value in BTL file. Increasing the precision reduces the maximum range because the number of digits is fixed to 8 or 12.

Btl parameter range
Default is standard for 8 digits per value. Extended is 12 digits. 2,3 or 4 digits are reserved for decimals, depending on the Precision.

Grouping format inside file
The grouping inside one file. By default parts are grouped by posnum. On top of that additional grouping can be done. Eg. @(ElementNumber), @(MasterPanel)

Part flip width and height
Default false. Specifies if the width and height of the parts needs to be flipped. As a consequence also face index assignment and transformations are correct. If set to true. Sip, Clt, Panel, Sheet. MasterPanels and Element composities are defined in XZ plane as opposed to the normal XY plane.

Renumber parts inside file
The grouping inside one file might result in groups of equal SingleMemberNumber. Renumbering gives each group a new number.

Version
The version of the BTL specification to be created.

Header of Btl file

COMMENT Format
Specifies the format of the COMMENT field in the general section of the BTL file. Variables are resolved against the project. Eg. @(ProjectDwgName), @(ProjectDir), @(ProjectNumber), @(ProjectName). There is one special value @(ExportFileName) which is mapped to the btl file name.

LISTNAME Format
Specifies the format of the LISTNAME field in the general section of the BTL file. Variables are resolved against the project. Eg. @(ProjectDwgName), @(ProjectDir), @(ProjectNumber), @(ProjectName). There is one special value @(ExportFileName) which is mapped to the btl file name.

PROJECTNAME format
Specifies the format of the PROJECTNAME field in the general section of the BTL file. Variables are resolved against the project. Eg. @(ProjectDwgName), @(ProjectDir), @(ProjectNumber), @(ProjectName). There is one special value @(ExportFileName) which is mapped to the btl file name.

PROJECTPART Format
Specifies the format of the PROJECTPART field in the general section of the BTL file. Variables are resolved against the project. Eg. @(ProjectDwgName), @(ProjectDir), @(ProjectNumber), @(ProjectName). There is one special value @(ExportFileName) which is mapped to the btl file name.

Operations

allow operation 25
If allow operation 25 is false, hip or valley rafter notch (operation 25) is exported as two laps (operation 30)

allow operation 33
If allow operation 33 is false. LogHouseHalfLap (operation 33) is exported as lap (operation 30)

allow operation 34
If allow operation 34 is false. Sheathing Cut (operation 34) is exported as lap (operation 30)

filter exported operations
Suppress the export of specific operations. Suppressed operations are not substituted into other operations but are reported as defined by the settings.

Free profile tool index translation
Free profile tools have a tool index. This index can be translated to a tool ID on the machine. This table specifies the mapping. Both columns should be a number. The tool ID should not be negative. Inside hsbcad tool index means...

Operations by machine type and version

add cut for missing end tool
If add cut for missing end tool is true, a 10 operation is added at start and end if no end tool is present on that side. If not, nothing is added.

add outlines for normal straight beam
Ads 2 shadow outlines of the normal beam. Take the shadow in the XY and XZ plane of the beam.

allow horizontal marker line
From 10.6 on, for operation 60 horizontal marker lines are supported. In case P06 is 180, P12 has a different meaning.

curved beam contour add 250
Add a 250 operation along the contour of the curved beam.

curved beam contour add outline
Add a outline along the contour of the curved beam.

curved beam contour blowup outline distance
The outline pline if output is offset with this distance (in mm).

export almost hip cuts as half cuts
If true, end cut operations (operation 10) that are almost hip cuts, can be exported as a half cut (operation 13)

head slot as 17 instead of 16
If head slot as 17 instead of 16 is true, head slot operation 17 is chosen. If not, head slots are translated as operation 16.

include top and bottom machine limits in P04
If include top and bottom machine limits in P04 is true, P04 (aka MachineLimits) will contain the 16 and 32 values for top and bottom free directions. If not, P04 is within the 0-15 range.

lap as 39 pocket instead of 30
If lap as 39 pocket instead of 30 is true, lap operations 39 is chosen. If not, laps ae translated as 30.

remove envelope tools for SipCltSheet
Envelope tools are tool expression of the outline. If the outline is processed automatically, the envelope tools should be removed.

Specific for beam

Export beams (none gluelam)
Specifies if beams which are not gluelams will be exported.

Export gluelams
Specifies if gluelams (laminated curved timber) will be exported.

Orient relative to refence face
Each beam can have a reference face property set. This setting specifies if the orientation is to be relative to this reference face

Orientation normal beam
Specifies the orientation of a rectangular beam on the machine. If value is not set, the default machine type specific orientation is taken.

Orientation profiled beam
Specifies the orientation of an extrusion profiled beam on the machine. If value is not set the rectangular one is taken

Part settings beam
Part settings for beam. Variables are resolved against the part, eg @(Grade), @(Material), @(GroupName), @(GroupLevel2), @(SubLabel2), @(Description), @(Name), @(ExtrProf).

Comment process field
Format of comment for each processing. It gets resolved with context of tool eg from MapX data, eg @(MyMap.Country)
Part annotation format
Specifies the content of the ANNOTATION fields in the part section, eg @(SubLabel)
Part comment format
Specifies the content of the COMMENT field in the part section, eg @(Information)
Part designation format
Specifies the content of the DESIGNATION field in the part section, eg @(Name)
Part element number format
Specifies the content of the ELEMENTNUMBER field in the part section, eg @(ElementNumber)
Part group format
Specifies the content of the GROUP field in the part section, eg @(GroupName)
Part material format
Specifies the content of the MATERIAL Field in the part section, eg @(Material)
Part module number format
Specifies the content of the MODULENUMBER Field in the part section.
Part offset reference
Specifies the content of the PARTOFFSET P04 field in the part section, eg4. If left blanc, nothing is set.
Part package format
Specifies the content of the PACKAGE field in the part section, eg @(Label)
Part quality grade format
Specifies the content of the QUALITYGRADE field in the part section, eg @(Grade)
Part storey format
Specifies the content of the STOREY field in the part section, eg @(GroupLevel2)
Part timber grade format
Specifies the content of the TIMBERGRADE field in the part section, eg @(SubLabel2)

Part settings curved beam
Part settings for curved beam. Variables are resolved against the part, eg @(Grade), @(Material), @(GroupName), @(GroupLevel2), @(SubLabel2), @(Description), @(Name), @(ExtrProf).

Use minimum solid section
Specifies how to determine the section of the beam. Use the minimum solid section or the section used in the drawing. Applicable for beams only.

Specific for master panel

Export nested master panels
Specifies if nested master panels will be exported.

Part settings
Part settings for nested master panels. Variables are resolved against the part, eg @(Grade), @(SubLabel2), @(Name).

Comment process field
Format of comment for each processing. It gets resolved with context of tool eg from MapX data, eg @(MyMap.Country)
Part annotation format
Specifies the content of the ANNOTATION fields in the part section, eg @(SubLabel)
Part comment format
Specifies the content of the COMMENT field in the part section, eg @(Information)
Part designation format
Specifies the content of the DESIGNATION field in the part section, eg @(Name)
Part element number format
Specifies the content of the ELEMENTNUMBER field in the part section, eg @(ElementNumber)
Part group format
Specifies the content of the GROUP field in the part section, eg @(GroupName)
Part material format
Specifies the content of the MATERIAL Field in the part section, eg @(Material)
Part module number format
Specifies the content of the MODULENUMBER field in the part section.
Part offset reference
Specifies the content of the PARTOFFSET P04 field in the part section, eg4. If left blanc, nothing is set.
Part package format
Specifies the content of the PACKAGE field in the part section, eg @(Label)
Part quality grade format
Specifies the content of the QUALITYGRADE field in the part section, eg @(Grade)
Part storey format
Specifies the content of the STOREY field in the part section, eg @(GroupLevel2)
Part timber grade format
Specifies the content of the TIMBERGRADE field in the part section, eg @(SubLabel2)
Part width
Specifies the WIDTH field used for the part expressed in mm, eg 160 or @(Thickness) which is the default.

Specific for roof wall floor element

Export roof wall elements
Specifies if roof elements will be exported. Only supported from Btl version 10.5 on.

Orientation of element
Specifies the orientation of the element on the machine.

Part settings Element
Part settings for roof wall floor elements. Variables are resolved against the element, eg @(Number), @(Code), @(Type).

Comment process field
Format of comment for each processing. It gets resolved with context of tool eg from MapX data, eg @(MyMap.Country)
Part annotation format
Specifies the content of the ANNOTATION fields in the part section, eg @(SubLabel)
Part comment format
Specifies the content of the COMMENT field in the part section, eg @(Information)
Part designation format
Specifies the content of the DESIGNATION field in the part section, eg @(Name)
Part element number format
Specifies the content of the ELEMENTNUMBER field in the part section, eg @(ElementNumber)
Part group format
Specifies the content of the GROUP field in the part section, eg @(GroupName)
Part material format
Specifies the content of the MATERIAL Field in the part section, eg @(Material)
Part module number format
Specifies the content of the MODULENUMBER field in the part section.
Part offset reference
Specifies the content of the PARTOFFSET P04 field in the part section, eg4. If left blanc, nothing is set.
Part package format
Specifies the content of the PACKAGE field in the part section, eg @(Label)
Part quality grade format
Specifies the content of the QUALITYGRADE field in the part section, eg @(Grade)
Part storey format
Specifies the content of the STOREY field in the part section, eg @(GroupLevel2)
Part timber grade format
Specifies the content of the TIMBERGRADE field in the part section, eg @(SubLabel2)

Part settings element zone
Part settings for element sheeting zones. Variables are resolved against the first sheet in the zone, eg @(Grade), @(Material), @(GroupName), @(GroupLevel2), @(SubLabel2), @(Discription), @(Name).

Part settings element zone module
Part settings for element module. Variables are resolved against the first beam in the module, eg @(Grade), @(Material), @(GroupName), @(GroupLevel2), @(SubLabel2), @(Discription), @(Name).

Specific for sheet

Export sheets
Not implemented yet (08/04/2021).

Orientation
Specifies the orientation of a sheet on the machine. If value is not set, the default machine type specific orientation is taken.

Part settings
Part settings for Sheet. Variables are resolved against the part, eg @(Grade), @(Material), @(GroupName), @(GroupLevel2), @(SubLabel2), @(Discription), @(Name) @(ExtrProf).

Comment process field
Format of comment for each processing. It gets resolved with context of tool eg from MapX data, eg @(MyMap.Country)
Part annotation format
Specifies the content of the ANNOTATION fields in the part section, eg @(SubLabel)
Part comment format
Specifies the content of the COMMENT field in the part section, eg @(Information)
Part designation format
Specifies the content of the DESIGNATION field in the part section, eg @(Name)
Part element number format
Specifies the content of the ELEMENTNUMBER field in the part section, eg @(ElementNumber)
Part group format
Specifies the content of the GROUP field in the part section, eg @(GroupName)
Part material format
Specifies the content of the MATERIAL Field in the part section, eg @(Material)
Part module number format
Specifies the content of the MODULENUMBER field in the part section.
Part offset reference
Specifies the content of the PARTOFFSET P04 field in the part section, eg4. If left blanc, nothing is set.
Part package format
Specifies the content of the PACKAGE field in the part section, eg @(Label)
Part quality grade format
Specifies the content of the QUALITYGRADE field in the part section, eg @(Grade)
Part storey format
Specifies the content of the STOREY field in the part section, eg @(GroupLevel2)
Part timber grade format
Specifies the content of the TIMBERGRADE field in the part section, eg @(SubLabel2)

Specific for sip

Allow arc segments in outline
Default false. Specifies if arc segments are allowed in the outline of the panel retrieved from the shadow.

Export sips
Specifies if sips will be exported.

Orientation
Specifies the orientation of a panel/sip on the machine. If value is not set, the default machine type specific orientation is taken.

Part settings
Part settings for Sip. Variables are resolved against the part, eg @(Grade), @(Material), @(GroupName), @(GroupLevel2), @(SubLabel2), @(Discription), @(Name) @(ExtrProf).

Comment process field
Format of comment for each processing. It gets resolved with context of tool eg from MapX data, eg @(MyMap.Country)
Part annotation format
Specifies the content of the ANNOTATION fields in the part section, eg @(SubLabel)
Part comment format
Specifies the content of the COMMENT field in the part section, eg @(Information)
Part designation format
Specifies the content of the DESIGNATION field in the part section, eg @(Name)
Part element number format
Specifies the content of the ELEMENTNUMBER field in the part section, eg @(ElementNumber)
Part group format
Specifies the content of the GROUP field in the part section, eg @(GroupName)
Part material format
Specifies the content of the MATERIAL Field in the part section, eg @(Material)
Part module number format
Specifies the content of the MODULENUMBER field in the part section.
Part offset reference
Specifies the content of the PARTOFFSET P04 field in the part section, eg4. If left blanc, nothing is set.
Part package format
Specifies the content of the PACKAGE field in the part section, eg @(Label)
Part quality grade format
Specifies the content of the QUALITYGRADE field in the part section, eg @(Grade)
Part storey format
Specifies the content of the STOREY field in the part section, eg @(GroupLevel2)
Part timber grade format
Specifies the content of the TIMBERGRADE field in the part section, eg @(SubLabel2)

Custom tab

In the Custom tab you can add extra settings, like Beam Filter.

Once you have set everything in the Setting/Custom tab you can save these settings and recall them later on in the Export Settings dialog box. (See ’’Save your Settings’’).