Punch! CAD
»
ViaCAD & Shark
»
Import/Export
»
DXF Line weight - help! (#5208)
Rank: Senior Member
Joined: 1/12/2011(UTC) Posts: 131
Was thanked: 3 time(s) in 3 post(s)
Is there a way to save the line weights within the DXF file? I need my DXF file to be at least a weight of two. When I save the VCP format the line weight saves. When I export to DXF, the line weight does not save with the file. (Although the file is larger than the original DXF file) Original DXF file: 1,322kb 2 weight DXF file: 2,068kb No matter what program I import to, the line weights are still 'one' Any ideas? SITUATION: I'm trying to send my DXF files to the plotter. But with a 'one' weight, the lines are too faint. If I can get a 'two' weight, the lines would come out thicker... The plotter program is Smart Sketch v4. Hope this makes sense?
Rank: Senior Member
Joined: 1/12/2011(UTC) Posts: 131
Was thanked: 3 time(s) in 3 post(s)
Uhm... My original DXF file (from another program) is 1,322kb The EXACT same DXF file exported by ViaCAD is: 2,068kb What does ViaCAD add to the DXF file to make it 700kb larger?!
Rank: Senior Member
Joined: 1/12/2011(UTC) Posts: 131
Was thanked: 3 time(s) in 3 post(s)
Uhm... My original DXF file (from another program) is 1,322kb The EXACT same DXF file exported by ViaCAD is: 2,068kb What does ViaCAD add to the DXF file to make it 700kb larger?!
Rank: Senior Member
Joined: 1/12/2011(UTC) Posts: 131
Was thanked: 3 time(s) in 3 post(s)
Uhm... My original DXF file (from another program) is 1,322kb The EXACT same DXF file exported by ViaCAD is: 2,068kb What does ViaCAD add to the DXF file to make it 700kb larger?! Exporting the DXF file saves info such as layers and colors, but not the line weights?!
Rank: Senior Member
Joined: 2/2/2007(UTC)
Posts: 5,447
Was thanked: 502 time(s) in 353 post(s)
I just tested line weights and all seems ok on this end. Is it possible the app you are reading the file does not support line weights?
Also by default AutoCAD does not display line weights. You need to turn it on by Format/Lineweight/Display Weight in Graphics Area
For size, I really don't have much control over that. We use the OpenDesign libs for DWG. I suspect the file has more default definitions as OpenDesign holds close to the AutoCAD format.
If the above still does not help, I may need to have access to the file.
Tim
Tim Olson attached the following image(s):
lineweights.jpg
(91kb) downloaded 8 time(s). You cannot view/download attachments. Try to login or register.
Tim Olson IMSI Design/Encore
Rank: Senior Member
Joined: 1/12/2011(UTC) Posts: 131
Was thanked: 3 time(s) in 3 post(s)
Here is a video of my workflow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...zHsWLuo&feature=youtu.be Steps taken:
1. Created the DXF file from VCarve pro.
2. Imported DXF file with Viacad.
3. Changed line weight to '2' then exported DXF file.
(The saved, modified DXF file is now larger)
4. Closed the windows, and started a new file.
5. Imported the modified DXF file into Viacad.
6. checked the line weight, and it is not a weight of '2' as saved.
Attached are the DXF Files used in the video.
I just need heavier line weights when I print the DXF files.
The program being used to print the DXF files is Smart Sketch 4.0
Rank: Senior Member
Joined: 2/2/2007(UTC)
Posts: 5,447
Was thanked: 502 time(s) in 353 post(s)
Ok I see the problem, thanks for the video! A couple of issues I found: 1. AutoCAD R12 does not support pen weights. When you export, if you can use a newer format that would be great. In my tests I used R 2013 with MM units. 2. The pixel based weights are getting scaled incorrectly esp wrt to AutoCAD default weights. I've corrected this in build 1132. Until then if you can use the model pen weights for your exports that would help. I believe AutoCAD uses 0.25mm for a default line weight. If you use something like 0.3mm you will see a thick line relative to the default lines going in/out of dwg. Many thanks for bringing this up plus providing videos and example files!! Tim
Tim Olson IMSI Design/Encore
Rank: Senior Member
Joined: 1/12/2011(UTC) Posts: 131
Was thanked: 3 time(s) in 3 post(s)
All-right! (Video's sure do help huh?!) That works for the line weights! I can't use R 2013, as it crashes the program at import! (Smart Sketch 4.0) But I can get away with using R 2000, it (seems to) save with line weights. Although, when I set the line weight to 0.010" and reload it, it comes up as user defined (0.012") I haven't had a chance to use 0.005 (it saves as 0.0051) But thanks, at least now I can make some further progress. I have 19 drawings to do, and the one here is the smallest of the bunch!
Rank: Senior Member
Joined: 1/12/2011(UTC) Posts: 131
Was thanked: 3 time(s) in 3 post(s)
All-right! (Video's sure do help huh?!) That works for the line weights! I can't use R 2013, as it crashes the program at import! (Smart Sketch 4.0) But I can get away with using R 2000, it (seems to) save with line weights. Although, when I set the line weight to 0.010" and reload it, it comes up as user defined (0.012") I haven't had a chance to use 0.005 (it saves as 0.0051) But thanks, at least now I can make some further progress. I have 19 drawings to do, and the one here is the smallest of the bunch!
Punch! CAD
»
ViaCAD & Shark
»
Import/Export
»
DXF Line weight - help! (#5208)
Forum Jump
Punch! CAD
ViaCAD & Shark
- News and Announcements
- General
- 2D Drafting
- Surface Modeling
- Solid Modeling
- Subdivision Modeling
- Rendering & Display
- Import/Export
- Tips and Tutorials
- Suggestions
- Gallery
- PowerPack
- Punch Lounge
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.