best method to convert AutoCad ttf to arcs/lines for CNC

[Imgonna]

Hi, I'm looking for the best method to convert AutoCAD ttf into DXF for import into my CAM software. I've had some success w/exporting as .bmp but the product is rough. What I really need is the outline of the ttf text. I do not need the fill. I run on 2000i. I do not own Express Tools; if I did, would the exploded text be smooth lines and arcs or would I have to trace the text to create smooth polylines? Ultimately I want to link a dwg template to an excel spreadsheet to import nameplate data for engraving. I'd like to be able to adjust the label settings for specific fonts and sizes (thus only doing it once) then export the file as dxf for toolpath creation in CAM software. The catch is that CAM does not recognize AutoCAD ttf and when I explode it (standard CAD explode not ET) it reverts to generic font. Help? Thanks

 

[CarlB]

Why don't you try out the results of Express Tools "text explode" yourself? Free download at

http://www.tbaug.com/Main-web/lsp_files.htm

 

[Exxit]

Hi,
search for dxbout,

thread555-13369

 

[Imgonna]

Thanks Carl, works great. two questions

1) Each letter, say 1" Times Roman, is exploded into a group of closed polylines. There is a border where each of the closed polylines join; this border is on the interior of the letter. I need each letter to be a single closed polyline or series of lines/arcs but I can not have any lines across the body of the text. Of course I can select all polylines, explode them, and then delete the lines that cross the body of the text but I'm wondering if this can be done automatically via command or lisp? (I'm new to lisp). I have a great deal of text to edit if not possible to automate.

2) is this download a don't as don't tell or a 2 wk trial?

Thanks again

 

[Imgonna]

Thanks to both Exxit and CarlB. Both posts have been informative. My results are as follows:

Express Tools is the easiest however it creates an exploded ttf boundary that is comprised of multiple regions (for lack of a better word, in fact each region is comprised of individual lines), i.e. all letters are comprised of at least two and usually three regions, consequently there are lines that cross the body of the letter where the two regions intersect. The only way I've found to get rid of them is to delete each offending line individually. This is time consuming when significant amounts of text must be edited and open to operator error. Is there an automated means of preventing this?

The DBOUT command rocks and frankly may be the easiest method in the long run. There are a few extra steps but in light of the above problems with Express Tools "explosion", when significant amounts of text are to be converted without the offending "lines in body of letter" this is actually the fasted and most accurate means of conversion.

Again, I would prefer the Explode method but need a means of preventing above.

Thanks to you both.