DXF files.

[helensdad]

PTBDRAW.DXF

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Hi all, I am trying to open a DXF file of a model boat which has been set out as a series of A4 size sections. When I try and load it into Cut2D it is tiny and seems to slow the program right down and won't let me rescale any of the sections. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[SteveNelson46]

Open a new project that is 105" by 55". Then import. Works in Aspire. Don't know about Cut2D

[garylmast]

If it's tiny, your job setup is in inches and the dxf file is in millimeters. Go into job setup and change it to mm then import the file. After you imported the file, you can go back into Job setup and change back to inches and it will automatically resize everything.

Gary

[helensdad]

Many thanks. How will I cut it into suitable sizes for my machine without losing the correct scale?

[Rcnewcomb]

How will I cut it into suitable sizes for my machine without losing the correct scale?

Watch this training video on Toolpath Tiling

[garylmast]

Many thanks. How will I cut it into suitable sizes for my machine without losing the correct scale?

Change the job setup to mm BEFORE you import the file. Should be no reason to lose the proper scale. IF you want to work in inches, AFTER you import it, go back into job setup and change back to inches. It will automatically scale to the correct size.

Gary

[TReischl]

Since you are probably not building a full size PT boat with machine guns and torpedoes I figure the dimensions are in inches.

That drawing is going to be a lot of work.

First thing I would do is make a copy and then remove all the lettering, that will reduce the file size a lot and make it easier to deal with. Then I would export each group (they are actually arranged on "sheets" already) as a separate file. After that it will get a lot easier. I notice that most of the vectors are not closed so you will need to use the join tool.

There is also some overlapping geometry that you will have to find and get rid of.

Neat model!

[vip-klaus]

Hi all,

I have a related question to the dxf import to Aspire V10: most of my dxf-files uses a specific unit for the included vectors (i.e. inch, cm or mm). This unit is defined inside the header of the dxf-file using a parameter called "$INSUNITS". But Aspire does not care about this parameter and always uses the unit which is defined in the job setup.

Is there a way to tell Aspire to use the unit which is defined inside the dxf-file? Maybe as a feature for an upcomming update?

regards
Klaus

[Adrian]

No way that I know of but if you open the file rather than importing it it's obvious from the job setup that is displayed whether it should be metric or imperial and you can click the units you want at that stage.

[adze_cnc]

If it's tiny, your job setup is in inches and the dxf file is in millimeters.

In this case the DXF is in inches and the Cut2D file is in mm. Dilemma but different units of measure.

Is there a way to tell Aspire to use the unit which is defined inside the dxf-file? Maybe as a feature for an upcomming update?

You can use "Set Selected Objects Size" and use 2540% as the scaling factor to convert the inches to mm.

Steven

[vip-klaus]

Thanks to all. I know that the size can be scaled. But my hope was, that there is a way to force Aspire to use the units included inside the dxf file.

No big problem at all.

Klaus

[adze_cnc]

I find the much software ignores any encoded units of measure. When I pulled that DXF file into Rhinoceros to look at it Rhino wanted me to confirm an import of mm (I created a mm model space). It nicely scaled the file when I said inches but still it didn't offer inches as default...

Steven

[vip-klaus]

Same here. I opened the dxf file using CATIA V5 (!) and it doesn't recognize the included units. Finally I tried Alibre Design and: wow, it saw the units correctely. Then I changed the units inside the Alibre settings and stored the dxf-file with the corrected units. Fantastic!

I will ask the Vectric staff to include this behavior as a new feature for an upcomming release af Aspire.

Klaus

[ger21]

most of my dxf-files uses a specific unit for the included vectors (i.e. inch, cm or mm). This unit is defined inside the header of the dxf-file using a parameter called "$INSUNITS".

Technically, INSUNITS does not specify the units of the drawing. It specifies the units of blocks or other items imported into the drawing. (when importing into AutoCAD)

[vip-klaus]

Yes maybe. But the result is the same. If I import a dxf file including a circle with diameter 10 cm, Aspire creates a circle with diameter 10 mm or 10 inch - depending of the setup I choose for the current part.

Unfortunately sometimes I have to use an specific design tool to create shapes of guitars and this tool only works with inches or cm. And as a german, I don't work with inches.