Hi SeanK!
I´ve just read your quests. I´m coming from Germany and I am working as
an Laser-Engineer. We do produce all kind of Laser-graphics on nearly
all kind of surfaces.
We do use YAG and CO2 Lasers with 1024n/m up to 150Watts. We use dxf
files, too. The format for the Laser output is .plt or .prnt - in case
you are sending laserdata from a CAD Software to your Lasersoftware. The
CADfiles always are converted into .plt (plot) files by our software
(and I guess many other machine demand so, too)
To reach a maximum or the best result when "plotting" with a laser - I
use to scale my CAD (dxf) file 100:1. I mean you just have to scyle your
picture (true vector lines with no string wirdth) hundred times bigger
than the endproduct - here : your lasered surfaces,object etc..)
I know that the format .dxf is not a ISO-standard. That mean that all
software applications may use the suffix .dxf. It´s either implemented
with any world wide standards or compatible with other .dxf suppliers.
That mean that the only variables in an .dxf-file are x,y,z coordinates.
Nothing else. If yolu are using Coreldraw to prepare your vector
graphics, you cannot say that your lines have a witdth of zero, or just
use no line.strength. You can test the different screen outputs by
switching your view-modes. Always use the outline mode online.
Everything you see here is "Real" in any other mode you cannot trust
the screen.
All CAD software or .dxf producing apps are handling the unimplemented
.dxf-standard different,generating of .dxf files is a mess!
My hints for you:
You have to know that the Laser do have an own streamwitdh. In my Case a
Laserline have the strenght/width of 0,02mm.
That means if you are Lasering for example: the letter : a - the a also
have an inline and an outline graph and these lines will be lasered with
the strength of your specific laser. Remember that good sign-cutting or
engraving software always have the abbility to calculate exactly this
diffrences between screen and tool generation.
You have to use the Inline-Fuction on every objects you are exporting to
Autocad(later you will understand) to match the Laserlinewitdths. Use
the half of the real Laserwitdh e.g 0,02mm if your Laser is 0,04mm. Copy
the corrected cloned,smaller object and create a new CAD-dokument in
your CAD software and paste that clone. After that go on like this:
Always use an easy simple CAD software to construct your graphs.
ALWAYS Use Coreldraw to export (via export-option) your .ps, ai, eps etc
files into that special format: eps-format .
There are one or two more eps formats Corel allows to import.
Only use the eps interpreted style for reimporting your just exported
.eps. The other .eps only format don´t work with software like Autocad.
The imported data ist always scub or sucks.
After exporting into .eps and reimporting as .eps interpreted you should
use that simple CAD programm I was talking about(the option to import
eps data is recommended!!)
Ok, know import your 100:1 eps data and watch the output with the
maximum zoom. If your lines are smooth and exactly as they where when
xporting from Coreldraw - you might be happy.
Now use the CAD software and export your file into the dxf-format. IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT YOU EXPORT THE DXF-FILE with the subinfo or
headersuffix R12.Not R13 or R14 or else...)
Now open that dxf file in Autocad. I use AutoCad LT2000. previous or
later versions do not work! Now use for example a simple 90° 0,04mm
hatch to fill your Texts or symbols or what ever.
After that step generate a new output file from that -using generate
function. Choose .dxf-format and the 2nd Options should again be R12
Format.
Reopen your CAD-Software and Import your dxf format (change the filetype
from eps to dxf again in your import dialog scene.) The best way to
continue now is to export it to your Lasermachine Software.
It´s not easy at all. But after 15 jears in the Laser signing business I
should have testes every kind of possibilities and I come to a final
result: There is no cheap solution to creating exact dxf images for a
Laser.
I use the software CASmate 6.5 by amisoft (signmaking and engraveing
steering and cutting software) That software is the best. But the
support has ended cause it´s an 16Bit application. The Software group
know offering a new Version called: FLEXISIGN. Search in Google for
Flexisign or amisoft and you will find better information.
The bad thing is that the software is very expensive and rare.
I hope I could help you a little bit - I know how confusing it is
working with dxf formats.
Just have a look at our Website : http://www.optimark.de
For sure I am out
Daniel