DXF to G-code Conversion Tutorial

Problem Statement

Let's cut wheel mounting plates for the open source tractor with the torch table:

Start with an Overview Video

In the video, DXF2Gcode is used. Installation Instructions for Linux.

• Note: forget about the installation instructions. Just download the python script, run it, import the DXF, export the g-code file (.ngc). The instructions complicate the issue for novices.

Generate G-Code from DXF File

1. Download python DXF2gcode conversion script onto your desktop.
2. Go in to Terminal
3. Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the script.

• • For Factor e Farm implementation - cd gcode

1. Run the script from within the directory where the script is located: python scriptname.py

• • For Factor e Farm implementation - python d2g.py

1. Bingo. The GUI for DXF2gcode runs.
2. Read the DXF from the File menu in the DXF 2 G-Code script.
3. Export the DXF into .ngc (G-Code) format.
4. The .ngc file is readable by EMC2

In other words: Generate your CAD in QCAd like in this example:

Import the QCad image into DXF 2 G-Code:

Import the g-code file into EMC2:

Reality Check

Open Source CNC Torch Table Shakedown from Open Source Ecology on Vimeo.

Proper Scaling

• To assure that the object that is being fabricated has the desired dimensions, start with an inch scale in QCad for the USA
  • Note: DXF 2 G-Code displays a bunch of import errors when importing Will's sample DXF generated from Solidworks; just click through all the errors, and the image appears at the end.
  • Note: Why does DXF 2 G-Code generate the toolpath twice?
  • Note: Change G21 to G20 for mm -> inch scale within DXF 2 G-Code
  • Eliminate the z feeds since we don't use the z axis for plate torching.