Problem opening a file in Torchmate CAD created in Corel12

[blackhollowmfg]

I outlined an image in CorelDRAW12 with the Bezier tool. After it was completed, I deleted the original and was left with the lines created with the Bezier tool. I exported it to a folder as a .dxf file. I then went to open it in Torchmate CAD to create the tool path, and when I opened it in TM CAD, most all of the sharp 90* corners were now rounded and somewhat "ballooned". When I when to "create path" and "connect path", there would be some loops shooting off of some of the corners, and lines that were straigh or curves that were on a given radius were now kind of outta whack.

Any ideas? If anyone uses Torchmate CAD (ProfileLab) I would be happy to email you the .dxf to see what you think.

Thanks in advance!!!!
Bob

[Torchhead]

The CorelDraw DXF export throws away the Bezier curves and turns everything into line segments. Also the version of DXF you pick for export in Corel makes a difference but still segments the result. The Import then has to try an put everythng back together.

Our DXFTool is a plug-in for CorelDraw that fixes the segmetning and exports curves and arcs. I don't know how well the Torchmate software will bring it in but SheetCAM, VCarve, BoBCAD and (reports have it that) Dynatorch's DXF imports work well with it. There is a free demo on the website.

Can't help with ProfileLab....never used it.

Tom Caudle
www.CandCNC.com

[blackhollowmfg]

Thanks Tom. I did download your demo version of the DXF tool, but not sure I am doing it right. When I specify a file to export it to, it pops up a window that tells me I need to save my document before exporting (which I did). So I am not sure if it is actually doing anything. Or is the demo version just that, to look at and get the feel of things?

[Torchhead]

It prompts you to save the file in Corel (because it actually makes a copy of the file to run the processes on). After you save the Corel file, in the DXFTool Window, select where you want the DXF saved to. Then just hit the DXF Export button and you will get a progress bar and a window that tells you how many objects were exported. If you don't, then make sure you have validated the demo license in the License tab. If you get an error then DXFtool has found things that won't export right. One common problem is to have a node in a chain looped over itself (hard to find) or two chains overlapped (not welded). Those two types will display fine in Corel and even fill, but won't work for a CAM program and CNC.

You are welcome to send me the CDR files if they won't convert and I will tell you what's wrong with them.

Tom Caudle
www.CandCNC.com

[blackhollowmfg]

Thank you Tom!!!! My problem was when I saved it in Corel, I was saving it as a DXF instead of a CDR. That solved my problem and let the DXFTool do it's trick! Imported the drawing into TM and cut it tonight and it turned out great!

Thanks again, and you can be sure I will be ordering the license real soon!

Bob

[Torchhead]

ahhh.....We almost have you converted! Now you need to try out SheetCAM to get the g-code for your TM controller. SheetCAM has a TM plasma post.

Then SOMEDAY you can toss that proprietary Flashcut pulse card and control software and use MACH3!

If you didn't spring for the TM $2500 THC then there is a lower cost alternative but it runs on MACH.

[blackhollowmfg]

I have it on my list to look at SheetCAM and others as well. In the short time I have used TMCAD, it is not as user friendly to draw in as I thought. I have a much easier time drawing in CorelDRAW12 then importing into TMCAD to make cut patterns.

I already have an idea for a second table in the near future, and now that I have this one built and have a better (yet not complete, this is a first for me) understanding of what CNC cutting is all about, I will have a better idea on how to build my own from scratch.

Thanks again for your help!