'convert to cut path' question...

[Ironworks]

Hello,

Sometimes, when I take a perfectly good vector image from CorelDraw X3, convert it to a DXF file, and import it to PlasmaCAM, it looks fine. THEN, when I do a 'convert to cut path' it destroys it. Can one of you PlasmaCAM experts try do it from this file and tell me if you have the same issue?

Thanks!

- Bill

[plasmapunk]

I opened your file, and converted it to cut path. I too got the same results.
Here is how to fix it..

Before you convert to cut path, zoom way in on the sharp corners. You will notice that the corners look a little funny (Not a smooth line) . Click the line to make it green the hit X (explode) then delete the funny looking part. Press E (edit) grab the end of the logical line to move and press E (end point snap) and click the line you want it to connect too.

Once you do that to all the sharp corners in that group of connected lines. Make one line green and press K (link segments).

Repeat that on all sharp corners in the logo. One that is done you can convert to cut path. But you may not be done yet. Those same corners you just fixed might need a little more work.

Now that its a Blue line.
Zoom back in on a sharp corner, you may see that you have a little criss cross. Simply hit T (trim/extend) and remove the criss cross. You may have a line left over just hit esc. and delete any lines left over. Repeat as needed.

Don't forget to hit K (link segments) after your trim work. Now you will have to convert it back to cut path since your lines are now white, but you still have a pierce point. Simply hit P (Cut Path) and make them all blue. It is also advisable to check that your path goes the right direction with a Cut Preview. If it does not.. click the line to make it green, press K (turns white), press P and the line again. and now it should go the correct direction.

It seems long winded but it really doesn't take that long once you get used to doing it.

Attached is a DXF file in cut path .015 offset. Since a PCM file is invalid for this forum. You still need to actually make it cut path (Blue)

[Ironworks]

Thank you so much for taking the time to give such a thorough explanation. It worked GREAT! It's always nice when someone takes a little extra effort to help someone new.

Regards,

- Bill

[ziptie007]

Yea I remember one day I couldn't convert some thing I was working on. It was driving me crazy. I ended up having like a micro gap in the drawing and had to connect it. I think the image would stay white or purple. One if the two meaning it wasn't linked properly.

[ironhorse]

Have you got this issue figured out yet? Most of the time you have to link segments then "detect Intersections" before you convert to cut path. Then after you have a cut path you will probably have to edit path to fine tune it before cutting.

[Ironworks]

Yes, all is well now, thanks to George at PlasmaCAM. Here's the method:

1. Import DXF drawing
2. Edit/Smooth (.007)
3. Explode
4. Link
5. Path

Works perfectly every time!

- Bill