Quoting With DXF Files

You can get an instant quote using DXF files and specifying the required thickness in an intuitive user interface. After you specify a thickness, you can specify material, finish, features, and inspection requirements as needed. In order to successfully upload a DXF, there are a few requirements that should be considered:

DXF Requirements 

DXF format 

A DXF (Drawing Interchange Format, or Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD data file format for enabling data exchange between AutoCAD and other programs. DXF files are typically used for sheet metal fabrication.

Cut files only

The best way to get an instant quote with a DXF is to upload a cut file and not the full drawing. Using a DXF will create a quote for a “flat cut” sheet metal part without bends. If there are bends in the part, the best way to quote is by using a 3D CAD model.

Annotations are okay!

Because annotations (like bubble annotations or tolerances) are not part of the geometry, we are able to filter those out. However, tolerance callouts will need to be specified in the instant quote and included on an attached drawing for accurate pricing.

Does not contain title blocks

Extra drawn features can be confused with cut geometry and will cause the file processing to fail. Multiple layers will be merged into a single layer as part of the geometry process.

Segments should not be grouped into BLOCK entities

Files cannot contain line segments or curved features in a BLOCK section.  

All 2D geometry must be in the XY-plane

All drawing features must be oriented in the XY-plane. Make sure the file is a 2D (not 3D) DXF file.

No inserts or assembled components

FIles cannot contain inserts or multiple assembled components.

No nested parts

FIles cannot contain nested components.

Wireframes should be visible

Files should have a sketch visible and especially the boundary sketch.

Some quick tips

Here are some quick tips to ensure that you get a flat cut sheet metal quote with a DXF file.

1. Remove all duplicate or overlapping lines, curves, points, etc...
2. The file should not contain open curves.
3. Remove all lines with a length of less than 0.
4. Close all open curves so that the 2D sketch can be extruded.
5. The file should not contain disconnected areas of material.
6. The file should not contain extraneous curves preventing the detection of boundaries.