First you need to understand the difference between a bitmap format and a vector format. Bitmaps are collections of dots (sometimes called pixels on a monitor) The dots are not connected. The number of dots in a square inch (DPI) determine the resolution. Vector files are made up of lines or curves described mathmatically using a beginning set of points and ending ones.
You can import bitmaps into MACH and it treats them as thousands of individual points; thus the 7 + hours run time. It creates a "photo engraving" (closer to a photographic half tone). Converting a vector (line) type format to a bitmap is easy. There is no magic way to easily convert a bitmap to a good vector file. JPG is a bitmap Format. DXF is a vector format.
CNC cut files are vector based.
The G-code is a text file (you can open it in a text editor like Notepad) and read it (if you speak g-code).
Files in the CRV format are the native VCarve format and need to be run through their post processing to generate g-code that will run directly in MACH. The VCarve demo software will allow you to process (output in g-code) their sample files , import and design other vector objects (DXF, AI, EPS) see them on screen, but not process them into g-code.  |