Hello,
I am new to this forum and this is my first post.
I am trying to convert my metal art patterns to computer drawings that I can send them to a company that does laser cutting, as I no longer have access to a PlasmaCam. I have older PlasmaCam software on my desktop that I use to finish off my patterns, but the software does not export the files in any other format but "pcm".
I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me. I would like to end up with files in dxf format so that I don't have any added set-up costs with the laser-cutting company.
Here is how I am doing my pattern process:
1. I draw the image with a sharpie and scan the image in as a jpeg.
2. I open the image in Gimp2 (which is equivalent to a Photoshop Elements program, but free).
3. While in Gimp2, I flatten the image, change it to grayscale, cleanup the edges by inverting it back and forth, and then lastly convert it to a bmp file.
4. Then, I import the bmp file into my old PlasmaCam software and finish cleaning up the drawing and fix the lines.
That's where I am stuck. I am stuck with the drawing in a pcm file format because I am unable to export it as a dxf file.
I am sure there is a better way to do all of this because it can take me a long time---however, I have cut down on time tremendously since I started using a graphics tablet while in Gimp2.
I need something to replace the PlasmaCam software because I don't want to pay for the new PlasmaCam software and I do need the files to be in dxf format and ready for cutting.
I saw two programs at Office Depot today; TurboCad and ViaCad. The ViaCad will import bmp files and export dxf files. I am leaning towards the ViaCad.
Does anyone have any suggestions for me to speed up my process and/or replace the PlasmaCam software?
Cheers,
Tammy