 |
| Importing
shapes - AutoCad dxf files |
|
|
| Files in dxf and many other formats can be produced in AutoCad and other popular drawing programs, and imported into the CAD Module. They can then be quickly processed to prepare them for cutting. First, save the dxf file in AutoCad Release 12, 13, or 14 format. Your AutoCad export window pemits you to select this. Then open the Torchmate CAD Module and click on File/Import from the pull-down menu bar. The import file box shown above will open. Locate the file you wish to import. Click on the filter button at the bottom left of the Import File box, and make sure all filters except the bottom four are selected. You only have to do this once. When you select AutoCAD (*dxf) in the Files of type box, a second button will appear next to the filter button. Click on the Customize button, and the Parameter Specification box will open. Check both the Step Reduce and Post Analysis boxes, and set the gap tolerance to .010 (this has not yet been done in the box above). The program will now analyze the dxf file being imported, and close up all gaps less than 10 thousandths of an inch wide. It is important, however, for you to have made sure you did not create any overlapping lines in the originating program. Overlapping lines cannot be corrected automatically. An L-shaped cursor will appear when you import the dxf file. Place the cursor at the point on the screen where you want to place the shape, and left-click your mouse there. |