seamless file transfers

[brian]

I constantly have problems with files people are sending me.
Most people are using up to date programs like Adobe Illustrator etc.
Every file I've recieved needs some form of tweeking,even simple ovals.
I generally ask for DXF or DWG files.EPS files don't seem to work and when they do there a mess.
Is there a simple solution to this issue or is this a normal occurance.

Brian

[signtist]

I try to tell them "VECTOR" files.
This is a problem I too have. No good answer here.
John
www.signgraphics1.com (http://www.signgraphics1.com)

[jerry_stanek]

I tell them legacy AI or dxf files

[cnc_works]

I've now pretty well given up fighting it and tell them to send whatever they have since I have equipped myself to convert vector file types from whatever to whatever.

And then there are those who send bitmap files expecting easy conversion to vector. Then education is called for.

[dlcw]

Ok Donn, I'll bite....

What software do you have to set yourself to convert from whatever to whatever? Inquiring minds need to know. :D

[adrianm]

I always ask for EPS format if possible. Just make sure they're starting with a vector source. Close second favourite is PDF but again make sure the source is a vector.

Those formats very rarely cause me a problem and curves come over as arcs rather than the mess of straight lines that most people give me with DXF files.

[jim_vv]

Greetings, Brian

I use ArtCAM Pro and have asked the same question regarding importing vectors. Ask your clients to save their vectors in Legacy Formats. I was told that the Legacy formats are stripped down to the vectors only, which is all you need.

Kind Regards,

Jim van Vegten

[brian]

Thanks for the replies.
Eps doesn't work for me,although I.ve been told to ask for Version 3 or earlier.
I'll give PDF a shot.
I guess stating Vector files only might also help.
I'm getting a general idea here that I'm not the only one.

Thanks again
Brian

[wberminio]

Donn

Can you explain what methods you use?
I think this is an issue we all have and will face

Thanks

[srwtlc]

Then education is called for.I'm with ya there Don! I've been educating one of my customers for 15 years and going. Yup, they're a slow learner. ;)

CorelDraw is a good handler of many file types. Again, eps and pdf are the least problematic. Once in a while I get some raster pdf's, but not to often.

Fills in ai files can be a problem too so you have to watch out for those. Shapes that have been outlined with a thicker line or fill to make a shape larger is another gottcha. Thick or filled lines show as plain (hairline) lines in Aspire/VCP/PW which can translate to a smaller part than intended.

[knight_toolworks]

from the art programs pdf is pretty good for cad programs it can be a problem I have gotten pdfs with wacky shapes in them. but the pdf's from all the sign guys are great and even the right size.

[cnc_works]

Rhino3d is your friend. Download the trial program and look at the long list of import export files. Not only that but they are some of the most consistently solid vector files I've seen. Of course, CorelDRAW as an old standby along with Photoshop. And if I get something really odd, I forget the name, but one of the free Geo programs can help a lot as well. Contrary to other's experience a good legacy EPS file is my favorite. Then DXF, but it is contradictory to call it a standard. AI files have unpredictable lines on top of lines sometimes (does anyone know under which conditions this happens?)

[bcondon]

I am taking classes at BU. With that in place, I purchased Rhino 3d for $199
and bought their training materials printed out.

Under their rules, this is all legal and I can use the software for any commercial business until I need my next upgrade. At that time, if I am
taking classes, I can upgrade at student prices.

This is a very liberal policy and I know I will be using Rhino for a lot of 2.5D and 3D projects and then transfer to Partswork3d for cutting.

I own Aspire but I wanted something that I could do surfaces for rudders
and have better control over dimensions and editing (trim at intersections etc...) which is very time consuming with aspire or partswork.

Bob