Does anyone use .dxf file format anymore??? 1

[mturner2003]

To be forward, does anyone even use this file format anymore? The reason I ask is because I have a new direct boss, great guy. Lots of expertise and experience BUT... every time he asks me for a drawing of a part, he specifically wants a .dxf. Every company I have dealt with whether it was a machine shop, rapid prototyping or whatever... all I've ever been asked for is a PDF of the print or an IGES, STEP or parasolid file. I will be honest and admit that creating a SolidWorks part or drawing into a .dxf as far as I have experienced is extremely difficult. Dimension won't export or nothing shows up at all in my case. So yes, clearly I don't know what I'm doing in that regard. However, not to make an excuse but I honestly say the reason why I do not know how to create a .dxf is because I've never needed to make one before. Yes, at the end of the day I better figure out how make a .dxf because the boss asked for it. Although is really necessary???

 

[Dievant]

.dxf is a fairly common file type. As for converting your SolidWorks models/drawings into .dxf files just save as and select the file type DXF.

 

[Timelord]

The .dfx format is a favorite of the 2D CAM machines like plasma and jet cutters, routers etc. simply because it has been around so long and every CAD program will output a .dxf file.

Timelord

 

[Mekada]

We use dxf as data for laser cutting (usually containing only one dimension, to verify scale), but never as an actual drawing. PDF is our prefered format for released drawings since it cannot be altered unless you're really trying.

 

[SBaugh]

We use the DXF for the laser machine. I hate the format myself, but its an easy format to get from the drawings to send to the laser.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.SuperATV.com

GEASWUG Greater Evansville Area SWUG Leader

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[mturner2003]

Well, I suppose that explains it then. All the parts we have been sending out in .dxf format have been for laser'd parts. I just figured the technology would have caught up on the lasers. Thanks for all of your input everyone. Regards.

 

[DanStro]

When we need to create dxf files for engraving they also get a pdf of the real drawing with the dimensions. The dxf is just the outline(s). We then tell them that the pdf is the controlling drawing. That way we don't have to worry about taking time, and potentially add errors, to recreate a drawing but still help the engraver out.

Han primo incensus

 

[ajack1]

I am intrigued as to how the OP thinks technology would have caught up on the lasers.

.dxf or Drawing exchange format to give it it’s proper name is exactly that a format for exchanging data between different formats in a way that can be used to program machines, it seems ideal for doing what it is designed to do, what do they think would be better?

Isn’t the real problem that they don’t know how to use Solidworks, not that wire eroders, laser cutters, flame cutters etc use a proven technology?

 

[ctopher]

I agree with the others. I only use it for laser marking/cutting.
We recently purchased another company. They used AutoCAD, which was exported to DXF for some reason.
We had to very quickly incorporate their drawings into our system.
A couple of our guys imported 100's of dwgs to SolidWorks via DXF or DWG.

Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 14
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[Nella95]

All the time - and if you use SolidWorks Electrical (mostly because symbols are imported from AutoCAD) it only allows for you to import your 2D graphic in *.DXF, or *.DWG format.

(I don't know - as you say - you've got to use this format, though for my money *.DXF a solid part is a complete waste of time.)

SW Professional 2014 SP 3.0
SW Electrical 2D/3D SP 3.0
64 bit SP1.0
Intel Xeon X(R) CPU 1603 0 @ 2.80 GHz
8.0 GB of RAM
NVIDIA Quadro 2000

 

[GRF]

DXF works for 2D. We use it to transfer information for printed circuit board (PCB) layouts in and out of Solidworks. I do a lot of thermal management of components on the PCB so I have to create a model of the copper and plated holes on the pcb. Right now there is no good way to communicate back and forth between our layout program, PADS, and Solidworks.

I will create a drawing with page 1 having all the over all dimensions of the PCB and where components need to be placed to fit into the housing. Then page 2 is scaled 1:1 and is just a top and bottom view of the PCB so the layout person can import those into PADs and literally trace the lines in his program.

 

[ShaggyPE]

I have the same experience as DanStro. The PDF is always the controlling document. The laser cutter or sheetmetal stamper will use the DXF to save them time... but the PDF is always the controlling document.

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks

 

[mturner2003]

Thank you for all the input.