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IndustryArena Forum > CAD Software > Autodesk > Dxf drawings cleanup
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    55

    Dxf drawings cleanup

    Hey dudes

    Got some dxf files dowloaded from the net of some model airplanes that I would like to cut on my cnc using Mach3 and LazyCam

    The problrm is that when i load them the curves consist of a lot of small lines.

    So my toolpath is kinda "bumpy".....

    Are there any easy way to join these lines into a continious line.

    The join function doesnt work very well.

    Could any of you cad guys please take a look at the attatched file for me, and see if there are any hope?

    (the file is a dwg due to upload size, but need output as dxf)

    95% of all downloaded files appear the same way

    Thanx in advance

    Best reg
    Cory
    Attached Files Attached Files

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    There's no easy way, but I'd do it one of two ways.

    Trace it with polyline arcs. By typing "a" during the polyline command, you can trace it with a series of tangent arcs by snapping to the existing lines.

    I'd probably do it this way, though. Trace it with splines, snapping to a few existing points, and then carefully moving the points of the spline to fine tune the shape. Then use a spline to polyline conversion tool, or save as v12 .dxf to convert to ploylines. The conversion tools give you more control. You'll still have the shape be made up of straight segments, but it should be much smoother.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Posts
    436

    dxf

    I used rhino to split and rebuild these. The lines were very messy, i.e., there were a lot of duplicate curves/overlapping curves.

    I have cleaned it up as best I can, however, once I send it to dxf format, it does split the curves up a bit.

    See if this helps.

    Rob
    Attached Files Attached Files

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    55
    Quote Originally Posted by spoiledbrat View Post
    I used rhino to split and rebuild these. The lines were very messy, i.e., there were a lot of duplicate curves/overlapping curves.

    I have cleaned it up as best I can, however, once I send it to dxf format, it does split the curves up a bit.

    See if this helps.

    Rob
    Thanx for the effort, but sadly it didnt work out.
    When trying to set the offset in lazycam the arcs went bananas and screwed up my drawing.

    but thanks anyway, mabye ill try the tracing

    best reg cory

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    43
    Have you tried using the OVERKILL command in Autocad? I am not completely sure what it does but I know it deletes duplicate items and joins all colinear segements. It will also convert Plines to lines and arcs. It has fixed alot of problems for me when importing drawings from ACAD to Enroute

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    43
    Here is your DWG with the Overkill command applied to all objects. It deleted several thousand duplicates. I have put revision clouds around some geometry that doesn't meet and needs some work extending and/or trimming to limits. Good luck !!!
    Attached Files Attached Files

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    55
    Hmmm. interesting Dan

    Where do I find the overkill command in acad?

    I was not able to run the file that you posted, it says: Drawing file is not valid.

    I run Acad 2006, version problem mabye?

    Best reg
    Cory

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    43
    Here it is in 2004DWG format. To run overkill command just type Overkill in the command line and a wizard with options opens. I am unclear on the full capacity of this command and the effect of some of the options. help menu is only somewhat helpful. Good Luck!!!
    Attached Files Attached Files

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Quote Originally Posted by corydoras View Post
    Hmmm. interesting Dan

    Where do I find the overkill command in acad?
    It's part of the Express tools. Under the Express menu, Modify, Delete duplicate objects.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    113
    here is one of the parts I traced over..took about 10 min
    Jim
    Attached Files Attached Files

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    55
    Thanx for the effort guys.

    The last file worked out ok Dan

    The curves where a little sharp for making a good airfoil Jim, but thanx for giving it a shot, I appriciate it.

    I testet the overkill command on another PC at work, and it removed 1563 duplicates, not bad.

    Still struggeling to join all the short lines

    Best reg
    Cory

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