Machsupport Forum
G-Code, CAD, and CAM => LazyCam (Beta) => Topic started by: atanq on February 13, 2009, 03:34:16 PM
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Hi,
Generally, I'm asking help for stuff, but this time I have some invaluable info for everybody using autocad with text entries.
If you are trying to put .dxf files with text into LazyCAM, then you need this tip!
Draw your text into autocad, whatever font you like, then type this command in:
txtexp
select your text as the object.
voila, you have now exploded the text into multiple lines which most cam packages should handle as polylines. If you find that some shapes are still linked, use the regular command, explode, to finish it off.
Hope this helps somebody.
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atang,
Is the comand you posted correct? It didn't work for me.
Rich
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hi Rich,
i googled the command, txtexp, it came back saying it was only in versions since R14 and not available in Autocad LT, also, it may be in express tools under some versions. which version do you have, i have 2008.
thanks,
aaron.
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The text explode command is an Express Tool command. Under the Express menu, see Text>Explode Text.
If you don't have the Express Tools, here's a good alternative.
http://www.dwgtool.com/outline.htm
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While on the AutoCAD subject, I've written a macro that directly exports g-code from AutoCAD, and is (imo) far easier to use than LazyCAM. Works in 2002 and newer.
http://tinyurl.com/cghkzp
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Thanks for the posting Gerry. I will have to try your macro out.
One thing that i always disliked about exploding text was that you just got lines.
Depending on what your doing it dosn't look good.
For one project, drew each letter of the alphabet using lines and arc's and the gcode / amount of
movement was cut big time. Darned if i can find that drawing or the single line text file for windows.
You can buy single line text but I'm just too cheap!
RICH
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If you can use txtexp in autocad, and want single line text, use vivaldi, or *.txt in Multi Line text.
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Why when I import a dxf file into Lazycam I get the message
Loading file entities
Loading complete
Applying option filters
Duplicate entity removal
No entities found
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Is it just text? Can you post the .dxf here?
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make sure it is a .dxf that is compatible with lazycam, if using autocad, try using the R12 version when you select save.
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Not sure that LCam will read all the various DXF's in Autocad, but I just saved a drawing under the 2007 DXF format (Using AutocadLT 2009 Student version) and LCam read it without any trouble. But, it wasn't text file, just a file with lot of angles and lines.
I am pretty sure that I have saved under other versions of AC and retrieved without problems since I don't always remember to use the R12 DXF format.
I have not been successful in bring DXF text into AC - nor has using the Text application in AutoCad produced TEXT that can be read by LCam. For this I generally use two programs - CADX11 and DeskEngrave. Using both I have developed text for several pieces that I have been working on. DeskEngrave (a free program) will also produce a DXF file that LCam reads without any problem.
CADX11 is also a free program (although licensed version will handle much larger files).
Bob @ BobsShop
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I use Autocad 2004 Lazycam loads all the 3 available dxf save formats . I have to use the drawing screen that comes up when Autocad starts up. I get no problems with the dxf's I save .When I load a template and do a drawing Lazycam will not load the dxf .
Hope this helps
Brian
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Appendix "C" in the LAZYTURN Manual which can be found in Members Doc's covers DXF fiile imports
at a high level and would be worth reading. the info applies to Lazycam Turn also in my opinion.
RICH
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I use Autocad 2004 Lazycam loads all the 3 available dxf save formats . I have to use the drawing screen that comes up when Autocad starts up. I get no problems with the dxf's I save .When I load a template and do a drawing Lazycam will not load the dxf .
Hope this helps
Brian
I wonder if thats the problem, I click new and enter for acad.dwg and save under whatever name I want.???
Brian.
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Thanks for the tips!!