AP DXF Format

DXF R12 (AutoCAD Release 12) Desired features and toolpaths should be expressed as layers. Please note that "runover" geometry is NOT Automatic for profile and pocket toolpaths unless noted! If you need runover for profiling or pocketing on the edge of parts, please include DADO or RABBET in the layer name. This ensures CAM technicians will manually alter the geometry to the desired outcome. Please note this changes the per-sheet processing fee.

Example Layer Names

INT_R0062_THRU
EXT_R0188_D025
POCKET_R0094_H0625_DADO
DRILL_R0118_D0625
VCARVE_R025_D025
PN
Key Description Details Tolerance
INT Profile with Internal start ordering Profiling requires a fully closed vector. The tool traces the edge using the tool diameter guideline for the position -0.015 / +0.015" Position ; -0.000 / +0.020" Size
EXT Profile with external start ordering Profiling requires a fully closed vector. The tool traces the edge using the tool diameter guideline for the position -0.015 / +0.015" Position ; -0.000 / +0.020" Size
POCKET An internal profiling cut which also removes all interior material. -0.015 / +0.015" Position ; -0.000 / +0.020" Size
DRILL Drill a hole -0.015 / +0.015" Position ; -0.000 / + 0.005" diameter
VCARVE Use a 3D Vcarve strategy to achieve sharp corners. the D value in this case becomes the "Flat depth".
PN Laser part numbering. should be closed vector letter shapes. The Laser toolpath will produce 0.032" rastering lines. this toolpath name does not accept any additional parameters in the name
TRACE run the tool along the centerline

Notations

R#### ### is a number such as R0125 for 1/8" Radius (1/4" tool). Decimal character omitted. -0.000 / +0.030"
DADO / RABBET Requests manual process of runover geometry on part edges. Any line within 0.005" of profile will be extended.
D#### Depth relative to TOP of material. Actual thickness is used, not nominal. -0.000 / +0.020"
H#### Height relative to BOTTOM of material.
THRU Feature is cut clean through with added depth for clearance.
A#### Total angle for non-90 degree tools (V-bits, chamfer).
FLIP_ Prefix for machining on the flip side. H and D values are relative to flipped orientation.

* Profiling flips relative tool orientation each time a fully contained closed vector is inside another on the same layer.

** Numeric values in layer names should use a 2-4 digit number which is a decimal value between 0 and 2.0, with decimals omitted. e.g., D025 for 1/4" (0.25), or D125 for 1.25".

** Note we will always measure the sheet and use the actual thickness, not the nominal thickness.