Quick BobCAD/AutoCAD Question

Hi all,

I just recently got my 6040z up and running thanks to all of you over on the Chinese CNC forum. I have AutoCAD already but just recently downloaded the free BobCAD-CAM v27 trial version. Using BobCAD-CAM I can open .dxf files I have from a CD I purchased and view the drawing, but cannot do so for .dxf files I have created myself in AutoCAD 2008. Is it a compatibility issue, problems with the demo version, or is this all on me?

I will attach the two test .dxf files I am using, maybe it gives you all the same issue?

Any help is appreciated! Thanks.

From AutoCAD, always save as v12 .dxf (Last option when using save as, and changing the file type)

your files open fine,,there just ain't nothing in there.

Yeah, both of your files appear to be empty in AutoCAD 2013.

Really? I'm on AutoCAD 2008 and they load fine until I get nothing in BobCAD. I'll try re-saving as Gerry suggested and re-attaching to see if that changes anything. Thanks for the quick responses.

Notta............

Your files are empty. I have no idea how you could save an empty .dxf file??

I have no clue I'll take a screenshot tomorrow. The first is a couple of circular drill patterns and the other is just four random lines I made into a box just as a quick test. The first one all objects are in the original layer while in the second I put the lines on a new layer I named Layer 1.

Obviously something isn't right with my AutoCAD build...

Thanks for the replies. I'll update tomorrow.

The data is on a "paperspace".... BobCad wont import that.. I think there is some type of breakdown you have to do first to get the geometry onto a regular view, like "Top, left/right, perspective" etc..... (Model space....)

I can open the data in a few other programs, but the6y support figuring out the "unnamed spaces" stuff.........

The files were opening in Model Space, and I didn't think to look at Paper Space.

You shouldn't be drawing in Paper Space layouts. Everything should be drawn in Model Space.

Ok great thank you! Appreciate all the responses!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ger21

From AutoCAD, always save as v12 .dxf (Last option when using save as, and changing the file type)

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The rest of the issue seems resolved, but thought I'd comment on this part. Gerry is correct for generic CAM purposes, but Bobcad can work with newer formats and does not have any problems generating code from splines directly, so there's no need for R12 files. I usually use much newer formats and have not had any issues.

In an effort to consolidate all of the 6040 and 6040z threads please post here: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/open-s...ml#post1790768

If I want to transfer work between two packages be it documents, images or CAD I try to use a file format supported by the publishers of both but owned by neither and preferably an industry standard rather than the property of a single software house.
Proprietors of proprietary file formats tend to bugger them about on a regular basis for no one's advantage but their own.

- Nick

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dean Elliott

In an effort to consolidate all of the 6040 and 6040z threads please post here: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/open-s...ml#post1790768

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This question was machining platform independent, the OP happens to have a chinese router but this was completely irrelevant to the question and any answers proffered.
As a query on getting AutoCad work into BobCAD-Cam it was definitely best placed here for the greatest chance of a good answer and also for best exposure of any answers to future searchers with a similar question.

- Nick