need help EASM or DWG file convert to one that I can use on carvewright

[temler]

Hi all

I have a bunch of parts that are drawn in a .dwg file or a .EASM file and I would like to cut the parts on my machine. I don't know how to convert them to gray scale or if that is even what I need to do. The EASM file I have a viewer for and can view the 3d image but the DWG file seem to be only 2d. Any Ideas out there. If you want to see one of the files I could send it to you just let me know. I think there is 60 different parts I want to cut so I was hopping not to have to re drawl all of them. Thanks for any help
Tim

[Jeff_Birt]

The short answer is that you can't do, for now. CW has been reported to be working on a 'Professional' version of Designer. Nor word on when it might be out.

As for the SolidWorks EASM files. From looking at SolidWorks web site it looks like that format is meant to be used with their free viewer. I more 'standard' 3d format like IGES or 3ds might have a better chance of being supported in a future version of Designer (I'm guessing).

I've been looking at adding the ability to import/export 3ds file from CBPE but it will be a while before it gets to that point. For now the only way you can easily get 3d stuff into a pattern is to use a 3d modeling software that will import your file and export a height map.

[Reset]

CorelDraw can import DWG files, they could then be exported to .png and imported into Designer.

Sounds like it should work, but haven't tried it :D

If you don't have Corel, could you forward one of the files to me?, I'll give it a try :D

Tommy

[BobHill]

And to add to Tommy's information that CorelDraw will open DXF/DWG files, so will Adobe Illustrator, which also then will convert them to PNG format which Designer can make PTN files from. Note that this is one thing that Xara will not do. It will make PNG format files, but won't open or import DXF/DWG files.

Bob

[Corvus]

The dwg format with autocadd? you can export as a bmp or jpg into a program like paintshop or photoshop pro and manipulate them from there.

[DIJITS]

I'm new to the forum and to the carvewright machine but a long time Autocad user (version 2007). I have made one carving from a photograph just to get my feet wet. As for Autocad and png files . . . Autocad will output png files directly using the Render command. I started playing around with this last night. However the carved image is really sloppy, looks like it would have been carved using hand tools . . . are there settings in the software which will produce clean routed lines using the .125" cutting bit.

DiJiT in SC CA

[DIJITS]

Tim, Autocad will export "png" files directly using the "render" command. I'm still playing around with getting the settings correct both out of Autocad and into the CW software. I'm using Autocad 2007, I'm not sure if previous version have the same capability, I will check the 2005 and 2000 versions which I still have loaded.

DiJiT in SC CA

[DIJITS]

Tommy,

For everyone who is using Autocad and converting the dwg files into png through various software pograms . . . Autocad will output png files directly using the render command. I have only just begun to play around with this option so I don't have full grasp of the process. I'm new to the forum and the CW machine and software but a long time Autocad user.

DiJiT in SC CA

[Gman_Ind]

I have not used the 2007 version but in the past the 'rendering' options were jaggy, not meant for production more for posting on web pages or sending mockup part images to clients. Feel free to prove me wrong I really want a CAD to CW converter.

[DIJITS]

I have created a bunch of gears I want cut on my CC. However, the first one I tried to cut failed after a "Power Flucuation" error followed by a "Y-axis failure". I'm in trouble shooting mode right now. Only a faint portion of the gear was cut in the normal resolution setting just as a trial cut. I cant give much of a review yet. When I'm back up and running I will follow up with the results. The output from Autocad can be changed up to a max of 1024 x 768 . . . we shall see.

--- DiJiT

[leroy]

Look on the web for http://anydwg.com/dwg2img/ this software will convert DWG, DWF to PNG and other formats. It's just $83.00 and works grear.

[www.go3d.us]

Send me the CAD file and I'll see what I can do to help you out.
Thanks