Problems Importing DXF files

[Richard D 0]

I have an Expert 24 plotter. I have been using the trial version of Signblazer, and it is O.K. I don't like that I have to go from Signblazer, design, export, then import into the GCC software, Also, when I want to do complex graphics, I much prefer to draw in AutoCAD as I have used it extensively for nearly 30 years, many years of that all day every day. When I draw and export a DXF file, it is often skewed and some shapes just flat don't import in. Anyone else have this problem? Is it because I am using the trial version?

[Jay2703 704]

Try saving it as an older version of DXF like AutoCAD R2000 or R12.

[Richard D 0]

I am saving as AutoCAD 2000. I tried R12 and it didn't read it at all.

[Wildgoose 4,200]

Have you tried QCAD? I have read that you can open them in QCAD and then export them from there as svg files which should plug and play better. I am not a CAD guy but there was some talk of having closed polylines in the CAD program or fight having many multiple segments. 

[darcshadow 1,626]

Can't AutoCAD export files as eps? Assuming it exports them as a true EPS and not a raster image imbedded in an EPS, most any cutting software should be able to open it and cut it. Just curious, why are you using SignBlazer to design, and a different program to cut? Why not just cut from SignBlazer?

[Wildgoose 4,200]

15 minutes ago, darcshadow said:

Can't AutoCAD export files as eps? Assuming it exports them as a true EPS and not a raster image imbedded in an EPS, most any cutting software should be able to open it and cut it. Just curious, why are you using SignBlazer to design, and a different program to cut? Why not just cut from SignBlazer?

He said he designs in CAD

[darcshadow 1,626]

He does both, said he didn't like going  from Signblazer, design, export, then import into the GCC software and when he does more complicated designs does them in AutoCAD.

[Wildgoose 4,200]

Yep you're correct, missed that moment. 

[Richard D 0]

My Expert 24 cutter won't cut straight from Signblazer, has to go through the GSS "Great Cut 3" software, which isn't that great, can't even type letters in it. Have a typo, gotta go back to Signblazer, correct it, export it, return to GSS and import it, then cut. Big hassle. That's what you get with a $400 cutter. If I was a full time signmaker, it wouldn't "cut" it!

[Richard D 0]

On 10/27/2016 at 1:23 PM, darcshadow said:

Can't AutoCAD export files as eps? 

AutoCAD only writes dwg and dxf files.

[Richard D 0]

On 10/27/2016 at 1:07 PM, Wildgoose said:

Have you tried QCAD? I have read that you can open them in QCAD and then export them from there as svg files which should plug and play better. I am not a CAD guy but there was some talk of having closed polylines in the CAD program or fight having many multiple segments. 

The GCC software doesn't read SVG files. Really wish I could bypass this clunky system...

[Richard D 0]

I installed QCAD, Now I can't import dxf files at all!

[Wildgoose 4,200]

go figure. 

[darcshadow 1,626]

Have you tried picking random cutters from the signblazer menu? Even if the cutter isn't listed, there is a good chance one of the others in the list will work with your cutter.

What version of autocad do you have? A quick google searched showed several results on how to export an EPS from autocad.

[darcshadow 1,626]

Something else to try, have you played with Inkscape at all? I keep finding references that GreatCut 3 can cut directly from Inkscape, although I have not been able to find instructions on how to do this.