catsmeow 0 Posted August 26, 2008 New to Signblazer - trying to import a .dxf file from a 3d CAD program. Have the .dxf file in Autocad v14 format, but when try to import, there is nothing on the screen. What is the trick to this? It should not be this hard, should it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pogo 0 Posted August 26, 2008 Post the file and I'll check why it won't import. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popeye 0 Posted August 26, 2008 I've had zero luck getting DXF files into SB... you'll probably need to save them as ESP from your CAD software and import into SB... that's not without problems but it may get you going. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splash0321 23 Posted September 29, 2008 Im an autocad tech by profession so i design much of my graphics in autocad. I've always exported to R12 dxf (which dumbs down the lines/curves so other programs can comprehend them) and Ive never had a problem with it. Ive only used signblazer to do this so i know it works. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popeye 0 Posted September 29, 2008 I've dumbed mine done as well (R12) and I know it doesn't work.. on mine that is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted September 29, 2008 I think it depends on the complexity of the file. I have had success with smaller simpler files but the larger files will not work. Can you post a couple of examples of what you are trying to import? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popeye 0 Posted October 2, 2008 I stand corrected... I can only dumb down to R14. I agree, it is related to the complexity of the drawing. Don't have a problem with small simple stuff. There's a few examples on here... Neither Bruce or Jerry had any luck importing them, both acknowledged a problem. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splash0321 23 Posted October 3, 2008 i can take a look at the dxf if you want and see if i can get it working...i dont think you can upload a dxf here....my352graphics@yahoo.com..send it to me and I'll fix it up so you can get it working Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mobby 1 Posted October 14, 2008 When U output from your CAD program, dxf must ne ASCI & Entity only No Binary More Help? http://www.computerandlaser.com.au/SB_Support.htm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popeye 0 Posted October 14, 2008 Thanks for the offer to take a look at the files... there are several floating around here so I'll try to find them. When it outputs it doesn't give me that option. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splash0321 23 Posted October 16, 2008 ahhh....i see that you are using turbocad...i think autocad will do a better job of exporting to dxf...if you find the file let me know and I'll work with it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted October 16, 2008 I worked with some Autocad files from another forum member. The ends of the lines were not joined so the shapes did not close. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popeye 0 Posted October 16, 2008 autocad does a better job... it sure should! I don't think SB requires the dxf file be generated by AC to work.. LOL and I'm not sure why a polyline being open would cause a problem.. Not trying to be a wise guy... I think SB just can't handle a more complex file. You'll need to rename the extension to dxf... not sure why we can't upload dxf files anymore ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splash0321 23 Posted October 17, 2008 here is my best shot at the moment. i dont have SB on this computer so I cant check...lemme know Test-rev-04 hotrodz.zip Test-rev-04 hotrodz.zip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popeye 0 Posted October 17, 2008 Looks just like the one I attached... big black box, thanks for trying though! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted October 17, 2008 Your .dxf is like an engineering drawing with dimensions and all. (Maybe an A/C dashboard?) Is there a particular part of it you are interested in cutting? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted October 17, 2008 Try this one. I cleaned a bunch of junk out of it that should not be used in cutting. CATDrawing1_Model.zip CATDrawing1_Model.zip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popeye 0 Posted October 17, 2008 Yes, it is an engineering drawing.. I'm interested in everything in the drawing. Different elements of the drawings have their own color. That way I can pen plot the drawing, switch to a blade and cut-out instrument openings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popeye 0 Posted October 17, 2008 One mans junk is another mans treasure Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted October 17, 2008 You can't have your cake and eat it too. At least as far as Signblazer and dxf files are concerned. I don't know AutoCad but is there a way to just select the elements that you want to cut and save only them to a .dxf file? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pogo 0 Posted October 17, 2008 The reason you're seeing a black square is all the entities are filled. Switch to wireframe mode and you'll see the entities that were imported. As far as importing the text and dimensions, Signblazer doesn't recognize them. You could try exploding them to lines and arcs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splash0321 23 Posted October 17, 2008 here it is...if this doesnt work then nothing will...i think i figured out the problem.... Test-rev-04 hotrodz.zip Test-rev-04 hotrodz.zip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Peabody 0 Posted October 17, 2008 You can try this, I'm running AutoCad 2008. It has an option to export it to an eps file. Peabody Test-rev-04.eps Test-rev-04.eps Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popeye 0 Posted October 17, 2008 That's what I have to do and the eps seems to work. Hotrodz, That the best I've seen so far but a lot of the drawing is missing and so are the colors.. The biggest problem is, the drawing Imported into SB is .71" wide x .5" tall. That's way tiny compared to the actual drawing. SB can handle tiny simple DXF files.. only Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splash0321 23 Posted October 17, 2008 K...i had erased dimensions and text on the last one...and changed all colors to one color........this should have all the colors and text still...give it a shot... Test-rev-04 DONE.zip Test-rev-04 DONE.zip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
