I need help with cutting from downloaded DXF's.

Lasers
,
1

I need help with cutting from downloaded DXF’s. Lots of test pieces I download are a bunch of un-joined lines. When I use the “inside first” option it doesn’t work because the lines aren’t joined into paths. This means the shapes can cut out and fall out before the inner detail has cut.
I’m mainly using InkScape and I can’t seem to find a simple way to join all nodes/end points/ vertices (whatever you call them) so that the lines make closed paths. Any ideas how to fix this?

2

What board does your machine have, is it Moshi or LaserDRW/CorelLASER? I’m interested also how DXF’s cut with CorelLASER

3

It is LaserDraw/CorelLaser

4

I’ve also been trying to figure this out. I hope someone has the answer.

5

Hi,
unclean dxf are unfortunately common, not special to lasercutting, I did have the problem with dxf import into sketchup.
you will find a lot of video tutorial on that matter with sketchup, a good start to understand the problem. it exist some sketchup plugin to complete the job for you (personally untested but in my to do list).

6

I’ve found the solution to this with inkscape. It turns out I need to read the manual!!! If you select all of the lines in the DXF using the node tool, then select all again (CTRL-A) you will then select all of the nodes, the standard “join selected nodes” tool when works correctly! :slight_smile:

7

How do you get yours to cut a single line. Mine will only cut the outline of a solid black object. I.e a Dxf file of a square with a single black line would cut twice, one on each side of the line. Does yours do this too?

8

I don’t think I’ve tried that, but the files I have that are disconnected do only cut each line once. Is it to do with the line width maybe? I’ll try tonight.

9

I dunno, I’m using the CorelLASER plugin and i have set the lines to hairline and it still cuts twice. If you could let me know how yours goes I would be most grateful!

10

I’m very new at this but I think you have to set the line width to “0”. Otherwise it tries to cut the line out.

11

Ok I’ll give it ago tonight and let you know how I get on. Thanks all

12

Would Illustrator work? I know some of my lines were not joined and it would stop and go and stop and go and stop…etc…lol. I h ad to “Join lines” in illustrator. but I may be thinking of something different