Maybe you could try the DXF R12? This format is straight line only. To my experience this format cannot handle transformation matrix for your paths so if you have moved or scaled anything during the design process you might have to remove the transformation matrixes fx by using the extension Modify Paths - To absolute.
No improvement. I can mail you the dxf file in case somebody wants to see what I mean. The result is still a nice drawing in dxf format but for instance the outline consists of multiple short sections/splines. Which means that the company which has to do the cutting (CNC) has to redraw the entire thing. There must be something I or Inkscape does wrong but i don't know who or what to do. Hope someone can help me. :-)
Autocad LT is CAD (Computer Aided Design). The cnc shop will also use CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing/Machining), it might be helpful to know the CAM.
The version of dxf they require could help, there are a number of converters available.
The SVG file has a number of variations on stroke that could be removed from the objects (only the paths are needed) and there are a few scrap objects hiding behind the white gills. Generally the paths have more nodes than needed, but that should not be a big deal to simplify or ignore.
It might be a stretch to say it's a lot of work, but jobbers tend to punt anything (or charge a lot for simple operations) that isn't ready to roll. This avoids hassles of who is responsible for any unexpected results.
I was able to generate a dxf having the splines converted to arcs, using Qcad's trial version. You could see if they accept the attached file.
I presume you are cutting or engraving metal. The jobber is ostensibly using is a spendy system (fiber laser) used for marking and cutting metals.
Hi Tyler, what must I do or not do in Inkscape to prevent my dxf file having splines? Or is Inkscpae not capable of exporting the right dxf files for CNS cutting, so without splines and do I always have to convert it like you did?
The R12 option may be acceptable to the cutter company, I would explore that option.
Otherwise, conversion will be required to change the Inkscape generated splines to other sketch entities.
This issue is not exclusive to Inkscape, some of the world's most popular illustration and cad programs need conversion or add-on to accommodate legacy cutters (and some current cutter software).
Using Inkscape with Cutters/Plotters Splines and arcs for CNC cutter
Inkscape.org
How do I prevent splines in my dxf file for cnc cutter
Maybe you could try the DXF R12? This format is straight line only. To my experience this format cannot handle transformation matrix for your paths so if you have moved or scaled anything during the design process you might have to remove the transformation matrixes fx by using the extension Modify Paths - To absolute.
H Ellen and others,
No improvement. I can mail you the dxf file in case somebody wants to see what I mean. The result is still a nice drawing in dxf format but for instance the outline consists of multiple short sections/splines. Which means that the company which has to do the cutting (CNC) has to redraw the entire thing. There must be something I or Inkscape does wrong but i don't know who or what to do. Hope someone can help me. :-)
Describe your OS & version, the version of Inkscape and the installer you used, plus any special hardware like tablet/stylus or multiple monitors.
Feel free to send me a DM with a dropbox/drive link to the original Inkscape SVG file. Click on my avatar and then the orange envelope.
Hi Tyler, my OS is windows 64 bit and Inkscape 1.02 (MSI installer on top of 1.0)
Use a Windows Surface laptop with a 2nd Screen (SAMSUNG 19")
Did send a link from dropbox with the svg file. Muchas gracias.
Thanks for the file. It needs a few cleanups, but that part is easy.
What CAM software does the cnc shop use, and what version/type of dxf or other file do they require?
Hi Tyler, what parts need cleanups? I want to learn what I am doing wrong so would love to learn that from you.
I asked my cnc cutter which software and dxf info.
They use AutoCAD LT.
Autocad LT is CAD (Computer Aided Design). The cnc shop will also use CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing/Machining), it might be helpful to know the CAM.
The version of dxf they require could help, there are a number of converters available.
The SVG file has a number of variations on stroke that could be removed from the objects (only the paths are needed) and there are a few scrap objects hiding behind the white gills. Generally the paths have more nodes than needed, but that should not be a big deal to simplify or ignore.
Thnx Tyler, they use the Autocad for generating the dxf files and Bysoft software for their Bystronic lasersmachines.
The issue is still that the dxf file that I provide them consists of 90% splines and they have to do a lot of rework to convert the splines to arcs.
Thank you for the pointer in the svg file. I will look into that.
It might be a stretch to say it's a lot of work, but jobbers tend to punt anything (or charge a lot for simple operations) that isn't ready to roll. This avoids hassles of who is responsible for any unexpected results.
I was able to generate a dxf having the splines converted to arcs, using Qcad's trial version. You could see if they accept the attached file.
I presume you are cutting or engraving metal. The jobber is ostensibly using is a spendy system (fiber laser) used for marking and cutting metals.
Hi Tyler, what must I do or not do in Inkscape to prevent my dxf file having splines? Or is Inkscpae not capable of exporting the right dxf files for CNS cutting, so without splines and do I always have to convert it like you did?
Thnx. Edwin
The R12 option may be acceptable to the cutter company, I would explore that option.
Otherwise, conversion will be required to change the Inkscape generated splines to other sketch entities.
This issue is not exclusive to Inkscape, some of the world's most popular illustration and cad programs need conversion or add-on to accommodate legacy cutters (and some current cutter software).
@Eworx4me
Hi @eworx4me
have you find a solution?