real basic question.

[quammi]

what is a dxf file? i mean, i know what a dwg file is, when i make designs i always save them as a dwg file. what is a dxf file, and what is it used for? i know I will behaving to work them soon, and i am CLUELESS to what they are.

[Al_The_Man]

I am not sure of the origin, but it is a drawing exchange file, which allows other programs such as CadCam and Corel Draw etc to import the file and convert to what whatever the program uses.
Al.

[ger21]

.dxf is just a different format of the drawing file. Autodesk documents it, so other CAD (and CAM) software can read .dxf's into their programs. There are different versions of .dxf, with newer ones supporting more types of entities. If you're saving them in AutoCAD for use with another program, generally v12 .dxf will give the best results.

[quammi]

so in short, if i save a drawing as a dxf file, on autocad, i can then use it with say, mastercam, to iniate tool paths? is that about right?

[ObrienDave]

Quammi,

Basically, you are correct.

If you created the drawing, and know it is geometrically correct, then you can use it.

If you got it from someone else, then you should check the part geometry to the
actual print values.

I have recieved DXF print files where someone thought it was easier to change the
print dimensions than it was to update the model or the print geometry.

NEVER assume anything.

[Al_The_Man]

Basically yes, on any program that has 'Import DXF' as an option.
Al.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by quammi so in short, if i save a drawing as a dxf file, on autocad, i can then use it with say, mastercam, to iniate tool paths? is that about right?

Usually, but not necessarily. CAM programs usually prefer certain types of entities. For 2D .dxf's some prefer polylines, others don't. Still others don't care. For 3D, it can be even more complicated. It may take a little experimentation before you get the hang of what works best, but that is how it works.