For a school project, a buddy of mine and I, decided to make a keychain with some engraving on it. We would like to import a jpeg image off the internet and use engrave it on the solid part of our keychain. We are having troubles doing this and wanted to know if anyone knew how to do it..PLEASE HELP!

You can download Corel Draw trial version off the internet. This program will convert your image into a dxf you can export it as a dxf or dwg file then use the import function of your cad software to get the file into your cad software. Then you can machine it.

You basically need any program that will convert a raster image to a vector image. As stated above Corel has a program. We use an Adobe program. Be forwarned that the process in most cases is not as straight forward as simply converting the image and creating code. There is alot of clean up work to get good images to machine. Good luck.

Jeff Lange

dear boots:
im still having trouble converting my image from corel draw to autocad 07 into camworks 07...any suggestions or ideas??
thanks for your help

post the image! And I'll take a shot at it.

yes post your image. if that's ok. we'll do it for you. What type of file will you need it converted to in order to get it into your camworks software? DXF? DWG? These are the most common file types for cad or cam. Like Jeff said, there may be lines in the drawing that do not connect or they overlap or they might even be missing. You will most likely have to "Clean it up" before you can tool path it or generate any NC code.

i believe it is a DXF format drawing..once i draw the picture, should i import the file while in camworks or is it a different step that i am missing? while i am in camworks, no files are visible for me to import from any other program..

From Corel Draw save as a DXF file then Just "Import" the DXF file directly into cam works. No need to go to Auto cad first.

I think the problem you are having with corell draw is all the tiny line segments and non closed paths it produces.

It does a great job of following the image shape, but creates one mess of a DXF file when it comes to cutting it.

What I would do is open the image in the backround of your drawing package and trace around it with a poly line or spline. This way you get much cleaner geometry to work with. It takes a little more effort but at least you get something you can work with.

For a school project, a buddy of mine and I, decided to make a keychain . anyone knew how to do it..

This keychain project has been documented HERE (http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19346&page=284) & has pictures in posts #3406, #3423, & #3448.

It will take some reading & study but certainly it is a project that is possible.