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what File Format do i need for routing?
Hello,
This is my first dip of the toe into the router forum.
We’ve been asked to produce a sign which has two different colours overlapping each other.
I would like to make the sign out of Perspex (or some such). I want to relieve the pieces so that when they overlap they form one flat surface. (So starting with 10mm perspex I want to take 5mm off of each piece in the overlapping areas).
I have modelled exactly what I want in a CAD program, and all I really want to know is whether a trade supplier will be able to use the files that I’ve produced. If CAD files are what are used in the routing world, what format will I need to save them as?
Many thanks
Robert
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6 Replies
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Robert
A quick reply –
Save the files as .dxf files. Your trade router service will convert these to .plt (PLOT) files for use on the router.
Martin
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Martin,
Thanks, I just needed to know that I could output my file as something someone else would be able to use. DXF is no problem.
Robert
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Robert,
if you use Corel you save to PLT, or open a DXF and save to PLT.
Our CNC machine reads DXF & PLT but sometimes it finds DXF’s funny and we convert to PLT in corel. -
yeah.. we just stopped using corel PLT to Toolpath and now using DXF I think… just changed as issues.
You will get some problems with file transfer, some industry Cad CNC machines require correct DXF or they end up retracing the images, possibly down to their skills and staff. But I would allow a few days for error… get ur cad files off for trial, dont leave to last minute.
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ive had a cnc router now for about 7 years maybe… "im still no expert"
9/10 times i export as plt from signlab. i find when exporting files for engraving small text in any other format, the letter "curves" appear a bit like a hexagon. -
Yeah.. we had AXYS down to fine tune our setup… its pretty good now im pleased to say… the PLT > Toolpath in our case isn’t perfect, could be Corel as u do get path errors… but Bruce started mucking about with transfering DXF on the same file and AXYS I believe backed him up on that.
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