DXF export for CAD
A DXF from CutGrid is a drawing of the nest. A CAD or CAM program can open it. The file does not contain a toolpath.
What the file contains
DXF export is on the Expert plan. Each sheet is a rectangle, with its number and size written just below it. Each part is a rectangle at the position the layout gave it, with the part name as text at its centre. Sheets sit in a row with 100 units between them, in the units of the project: millimetres or inches.
The drawing below is the plywood nesting layout. Its DXF holds one sheet rectangle and 8 part rectangles. The kerf you set is already the gap between parts; the DXF adds no tool radius, lead-in, feed or speed.
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Sheet rectangle and size label | G-code |
| Part rectangle and name | Feed, speed, tool number |
| 100-unit gap between sheets | A second kerf on top of the layout |
Layout produced by CutGrid’s optimizer for this example. Coloured blocks are parts, dashed areas are offcuts, and the outer band is trim.
- Door
- Shelf
Taking it into CAM
Open the DXF and check the units first. Then assign toolpaths: a profile cut around each part rectangle, outside the line, with your bit as the tool. Because the layout left a kerf-wide gap between parts, set the kerf in CutGrid to your bit diameter before you export.
If your CAM program treats the part names as geometry, hide them before generating toolpaths.
Without a CNC
A DXF is also useful without a router: it is an exact drawing of the plan for a CAD file, a quote, or a supplier who cuts to order. For a panel saw the PDF is usually better, because it lists the cut sequence.
Common mistakes
Treating the DXF as G-code
The file is geometry. A machine needs toolpaths generated in CAM.
Exporting with a saw kerf for a router
If the bit is 6 mm and the plan was made with a 3 mm kerf, neighbouring parts are 3 mm too close. Set the kerf to the bit diameter, run the layout again, then export.
Opening it in the wrong units
A millimetre DXF opened as inches is 25.4 times too large. Check the units on import.
Questions
- Which plan includes DXF export?
- Expert.
- Does the DXF include the cut sequence?
- No. The cut sequence is in the PDF for guillotine plans.
- Can I import a DXF into CutGrid?
- No. CutGrid imports part lists from Excel, CSV and TSV; DXF is export only.