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Converted DXF Files, very small in scale
I recently imported a DXF file using the DCU and when the pattern opened up in Pattern Design, the pieces were very small in scale (large pieces were measuring approx. 1" in height) How can I make sure that the pattern is converted in the correct size scale?
Comments
ASTM uses the ASTM Import Options - set the Units to "Use Standard Unit in FIle".
Standard DXF requires you to know which scale the file was exported in. You will need to select Units in the DXF Import Option and choose the the unit of measurement used to create the DXF file received.
Hi @Kathy Valade
I was trying to import as both ASTM and Standard. I changed the units in the import options and it worked!! Thank you!
Sometimes the converted patterns have lots of extra points, lines and annotations, is there an easy way to "clean up" converted files once they are in PDS ?
Yes, there are many functions in PDS for removing extra points, lines, and annotations. One good place to start is with the Modify Ribbon and select Delete. You will find a drop down to delete points, lines, and annotations. In addition, there is the "Reduce Point" function which will also reduce extra points from curved lines.
I hope this is clear and helpful. Let us know if you have any additional questions.
Jaye.
You can definitely clean up the patterns after they are converted, however the question is why are you having such additional points and extra lines?
The trick is to open the dxf file in Notepad and do a search/find on specific details to determine how file was originally exported. This tells you which import method to use. For example, a search on the word "author" will show which CAD system file was exported from - like "Gerber". A search on "version" will show something like "ASTM/D13Proposal 1 Version: D 6673-04" for ASTM or AAMA data. And, Standard DXF is industrial NON-GRADED, non-apparel type CAD data, usually from AutoCAD.
The scale issue is compounded by the fact that ASTM data always has the scale noted in the DXF file and a Standard DXF file will not have the unit of measurement/scale. That is why you have to ask the person that provided the file for that information.
It is not a good idea to use Standard DXF to import ASTM dxf files because it will strip it of all the seam internals and grading information. Importing Standard DXF data as ASTM will also give you incorrect information because it will interpret the layers differently. The two should not be mixed but when you are unable to contact the provider, you are importing with low expectations. At most you would get a successful perimeter but then you will have to do cleanup and replace the existing data like notches with system generated notches.
Please review the "Data Conversion Manual" which is in the Data Conversion group in the AM-Explorer Process tab. There is a lot of good information in there!
This is really good information as I used DXF import and export all the time and I always experience constant issues.
Is there anything you can do in the import settings that will minimise the amount of cleaning up you have to do. For example, some data has drill points all around curve lines as well as A points. I can list the issues I have but that was a typical example.