Workflow for LinuxCNC / PlasmaC tubing notcher

I'm looking for very specific info on workflow for using a PlasmaC tubing notcher (that I really want to build). I've looked up a bunch of topics but can't wrap my head around this.I have a PlasmaC powered plasma table (pic) and I am very familiar with designing parts in FreeCAD -> export as DXF -> import drawing in SheetCAM -> produce G code with PlasmaC post -> load G code into PlasmaC -> Cut. I also have a LinuxCNC powered 3-in-1 with Axis (pic) and for the mill I do very much the same flow except using the Axis post. What I envision is taking a tube frame model from SolidWorks, say a Dune Buggy frame, grab an individual member from the frame (a tube section) -> feed it into SheetCAM (with his plug-in)  -> notch tube on rotary axis plasma cutter -> Weld frame together. Anyone have a specific workflow example of how this is done?
 
 

That's a great open-source solution, which I am totally into, but for this project I am wed to Solidworks - mostly because it is so ubiquitous. I know FreeCAD a lot better myself. How does one get the cut path off the tube (yes ROUND) and out of Solidworks?
Mark

This is super simple in Solidworks or any CAM system that supports sheet metal.
Simply design your tube with all its holes, then add an extruded cut  through one side of the tube the full length. Use a minimal width 0.01mm or smaller.
So then convert to sheetmetal and flatten. This gives you a perfect 2D pattern on a single plane that Tommy describes.
For each tube size, create a seperate config with different steps per mm setting based on the circumference of the tube.

markbaenen wrote:

How does one get the cut path off the tube (yes ROUND) and out of Solidworks?
Mark

Easy, Flatten your part and save a DXF file. I use sheetcam to convert to gcode

Thank you guys for your help! It took a couple days to wrap my head around this, but I've made progress.
I selected a body from an assembly and saved it as a new part. Now the new part - I just have to cut a line down it and flatten with sheetmetal - makes sense. A couple pics for documentation: