Cleaning up vectorized output for g-code.

[ngr1]

Hello, I am trying to machine some 2d images that I have vectorized using WinTopo. The WinTopo product does a good job in vectorizing the images but it is not perfect. Below is an image of the result once the vector is converted to DXF or DWG.

How do I go about cleaning up the lines so I can generate G-Code for machining simple contours. The software I have available is Mastercam V9, Solidworks and Corel Draw 12.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks… Norman

[CNCgr]

Is this a continuous line or several segments? If it is continuous, in CorelDraw you can smooth it by autoreducing the nodes (can't remember exactly the tool used).

Nikolas

[ger21]

Imo, the best way to go from raster to vector is to just trace over the image by hand. It's far easier than cleaning up the resulting mess from a raster to vector converter.

[lakeside]

Originally Posted by ger21 Imo, the best way to go from raster to vector is to just trace over the image by hand. It's far easier than cleaning up the resulting mess from a raster to vector converter.

THAT IS WHAT I HAVE FOUND THAT IT EASY JUST TO USE A SPLINE TO REDRAW AND DELETE THE VECTOR IMAGE

[imserv]

Vector Cad-Cam has a function that fits arcs to curved splines ( a series of lines connected in a continuous chain). The arc-spline function has an arc-chordal error tolerance that you can set. By varying the setting, you can control the reduction in the number of entities and the zig-zags will be replaced with a more reasonable curve. MasterCam should have a very similar function.

Other capabilities that may help smooth out the curve are to draw a point at the end or center of each line in your spline curve. Then use one of the point to curve fitting routines in programs such as Vector or Rhino. These routines also have an error tolerance to permit the software to make smooth curves from zig-zaggy points. The resulting nurbs curve will be much smoother than the original junk from Wintopo. Again Mastercam may have a nurbs curve fitting routine, depending on which version you are using.

Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/hobby

[ngr1]

Thanks Everyone!