stl/dxf solution for engraving

[corpse]

I have a CNC engraver at a client of mine, and the software it comes with it really sucks for high-volume work. Currently, I have to export my data, and merge it with a template, verify certain settings (like the matrix starting point and spacing), and the whole process has too many places where a goof up can be done. So I'm thinking it might be easier to import an stl/dxf file and engrave based on that..

Which leads me too - is there any EASY way out there I can write an stl or dxf file? I do my software development using MS .NET - I'd prefer not to spend a grand or more on some crazy 3rd party program to integrate - especially since I'm going for esay 2d stuff.

I'm just scratching the surface here - so ask any questions that might help to clarify anything...

[ger21]

MeshCAM can convert a jpg to an .stl, if that's what your looking to do? www.meshcam.com

Are you talking about 2D engraving, or 3D carving? An .stl file is a 3D model composed of triangles. Most .dxf's used for machining are 2D, but can contain 3D objects as well?

[corpse]

I suppose DXF is what I'm after - as this is just 2D - I'm talking strictly 2D engraving of letters into thin metal - just like a dog tag.

[ger21]

http://www.freefirestudio.com/outline.htm
http://home.carolina.rr.com/gcodemcode/ttftodxf.htm