What CAD software do you use to create DXF files for Control Nesting?

[David Hall]

We run a lot of layered DXF files through control nesting. I've been using Bob-Cad V21 for many years and they won't sell me another copy for the new guy. We can't figure out how to get clean layer names out of Fusion 360. V-Carve Pro and BobCad V28 truncate DXF layer names at about 26 characters, so they're not getting the job done, and V-Carve pro only exports 2D DXF files. We're running Draft Sight but the lack of CAM oriented drawing features. (no chain select, not easy to find bad countours or duplicate entities, etc.) is limiting.

What do you use to create your DXF files? Does it support 3D DXF files?

Thanks for your input.

Regards,
Dave

[Forrest Chapman]

Hey David, hope you are doing well. Will V25 do what you need? I have a copy sitting on the shelf that I'll send you. It might even include 2 seats. I think Bobcad will transfer ownership for $100. Check with them and let me know.

Forrest

[David Hall]

Thanks Forest.
No. BobCad broke everthing starting with V22.

[Forrest Chapman]

I'll look around to see if I can find an older version too. You might wanna check on Ebay too. Sometimes you can buy old copies for little to nothing. If not I'm not sure what newer software will work for you.

Forrest

[Kerry Fullington]

David,

Would upgrading your V-Carve to Aspire give you the features you need? You could download the trial and give it a try.

[Clint Buechlein]

We run a lot of layered DXF files through control nesting. I've been using Bob-Cad V21 for many years and they won't sell me another copy for the new guy. We can't figure out how to get clean layer names out of Fusion 360. V-Carve Pro and BobCad V28 truncate DXF layer names at about 26 characters, so they're not getting the job done, and V-Carve pro only exports 2D DXF files. We're running Draft Sight but the lack of CAM oriented drawing features. (no chain select, not easy to find bad countours or duplicate entities, etc.) is limiting.

What do you use to create your DXF files? Does it support 3D DXF files?

Thanks for your input.

Regards,
Dave

Dave,

What version of Control Nesting are you on?

-Clint-

[Clint Buechlein]

My reason for asking, as of version 6.12 your are able to designate alternative names for DXF layers. For example, instead of chaincompin, you can name it ccin. That will take you from 11 characters to four, hopefully getting you under the character limit. There is an option within the dialog to allow only the alternative, or if you have previous DXFs you are still using, it can obey original and alternative names.

-Clint-

[David Hall]

BRILLIANT!
Thanks Clint, I'll be upgrading asap.

[Will Williamson]

If you are running Aspire or V Carve Why would you bother to run thru Control Nesting ?
We never run dxf files thru control nesting

[David Hall]

If you are running Aspire or V Carve Why would you bother to run thru Control Nesting ?
We never run dxf files thru control nesting

Hi Will,
We create plenty of nc code using V-carve but it falls short when:
- We need labels (all of our parts go to other shops)
- There are a lot of flip operations (automatic two edge sheet trim and grouping of flip parts onto fewest sheets)
- It's a large job (loading a different .nc file for each sheet is slower in production and increases the chances for error)

We have also developed some in-house programming for MDF doors that is automated through control nesting. Not that these can't be coded in v-carve, but the programming and flow through the shop is more efficient using control nesting.

Regards,
Dave