Exporting to SVG

josh_jannusch

Is there a way to best export a drawing to a SVG file.  It is easiest to use the CNC machine with this type of file and want to know the best way to do this.  I am struggling on finding a file converter to do this.

Thanks

michael3424

There should be several utilities available online - try a search for "dxf to svg".  This one popped up for me:

https://convertio.co/dxf-svg/

You'd need to export your drawing as a DXF first, of course.

stephen_daniel

Thanks for the link.  I've tried several others with no luck -- most DXF to SVG conversions convert the DXF to a raster file, then just plop the image in the SVG.  That works visually, but it doesn't work for things like laser cutters that are looking for vector input.

brucebartlett

Try DXF to Inkscape and save out to SVG.

michael3424

stephen_daniel said:

Thanks for the link.  I've tried several others with no luck -- most DXF to SVG conversions convert the DXF to a raster file, then just plop the image in the SVG.  That works visually, but it doesn't work for things like laser cutters that are looking for vector input.

Are you using a Glowforge?  Maybe someone on their forum knows a good utility.  Also it wouldn't hurt to post the request for direct DXF support in their Problems and Support section

bri_huang

I've been trying to come up with a similar toolchain to use Onshape with our Glowforge Laser cutter in our classroom. Each of the converters that I've tried appear to scale the SVG or not put in the proper units in the file. The best workaround I have so far is to create a custom drawing template that is 20" x 11" with no border and no title block. Lay out the parts as you would like to see them cut out on the laser. 

Export this as a PDF. The PDF can be used with Inkscape or Gravit.io designer or directly on the Glowforge. 

jacob_henry

I'd like to see SVG supported as a direct export option along with DXF as well. The need to go through a conversion program can draw out and complicate the workflow of getting things laser cut. Especially since there is no option to export all flat pattern sheet metal as a zip of collective dxf files, but thats a whole other feature request in itself. Please add me to the feature request ticket for SVG output. Its such a common output for laser cutting I can't see why it shouldn't be supported.

david_liao940

brucebartlett said:

Try DXF to Inkscape and save out to SVG.

同意brucebartlett的建議，用Inkscape開啟DXF檔案!
但有個注意的地方Inkscape直接開啟時，縮放方式要選Manual Scale
還有字元編碼要選Latin 1，不要選UTF 8
這樣開檔案才能順利打開

最後另存新檔，存成SVG檔就可以了

(我試過其他不同的方法，或者網路轉檔dxf -> svg，都有尺寸變形的問題!)

Chmasy

Export it out of onshape as an STL, then import it into tinkercad.com, then export it out as a SVG 

gareth_farrington

I have a Glowforge and I did a quick look into the feasibility of doing this in feature script. It seems doable to build the SVG data but there is no Feature Script support for displaying it so you could download it. i.e. if you get the SVG into a string you cant render that to an HTML element or anything like that.

I did the "Glowforge Colorific" Fusion 360 post (https://github.com/garethky/glowforge-colorific-fusion360-post). Maybe now that CAM is coming to OnShape we can do something similar in that cam system. Lets hope that the CAM system isn't a Pro only feature.

michael_binks

I'm also trying to do the same, I using Chmasy's Export as STL then import to TinkerCad then export to svg.

This works but I'd to be able to fasten mate my parts to I can use one pass of the laser to cut and reduce time & waste.   I just tried doing so with a Dove tail box design (DaveTail_v3) but when I bring these into Tinkercad it doesn't understand the models get corrupted.

A SVG export direct from OnShape that respects models/shapes connected via mates would be a great addition to an already great program

michael3424

gareth_farrington said:

I have a Glowforge and I did a quick look into the feasibility of doing this in feature script. It seems doable to build the SVG data but there is no Feature Script support for displaying it so you could download it. i.e. if you get the SVG into a string you cant render that to an HTML element or anything like that.

It looks like Glowforge now supports DXF, though it may require a Premium subscription.

https://glowforge.com/latest-improvements/new-premium-perks-and-a-new-proofgrade-setting