File Import Check List

Background

WAM works with DXF and SVG files. However, you probably have noticed that some design files may not work in WAM. This guide will teach you how to prepare the DXF and SVG files so you will never see this problem again.

Moreover, you might have noticed that sometimes you can drag different cut features independent to others, but sometimes you cannot. This guide also teaches you how to manipulate the features as you expect.

Import File Compatibilities:

DXF File

• 2D file type that most engineering and design software will export.

• The .dxf library supports arcs, circles, ellipses, lines, polylines, and splines.

• All text must be converted to vector paths.

• Designs on multiple layers must collapse into one

• DXF files do not include units

• WAM tries to infer the correct units, but if it cannot, the part will default to inches.

If you DXF does not load in WAM, please refer to this page for more information about how to generate DXF from various design software.

SVG File

• 2D Vector file that most design software will export.

• Ensure that the output format for files is set to Plain SVG.

• All shapes, objects, text need to be converted to paths.

• Pictures and bitmaps do not work in WAM.

• Designs on multiple layers must collapse into one

• Make sure the document units are set to physical units and not pixels.

If you SVG does not load in WAM, please refer to this page for more information about how to generate SVG from various design software.

Import File Checklist:

• Convert all desired cut edges from objects to path.

• Convert all text to vector paths.

• Check for gaps.

  • If path fragments are 0.0010 inches apart or less, WAM will merge the fragments into a single path.

  • If a path start and path end are less than 0.0020 inches apart, WAM will merge the points and treat the path as closed.

  • Unconnected line segments less than 0.0001 inch long are deleted.

  • Holes less than 1.5mm will be treated as pierce (auto-pierce).

• Join and trim paths if necessary.

• Check for double lines

  • Double lines mean double cutting and will be a waste of time and resources (abrasive).

• Check for overlapping segments

  • Overlapping Cut Groups may not be visible but may cause issues. Such as cut path selection and tab placement.

• Check for dangling or default Cut Groups.

It is possible to import multiple Designs, or the same Design multiple times in one Cut File. Manage these Designs by using the +, -, and X Icons.

Cut Groups and Split

Cut Groups

• WAM takes every Design and divides it into Cut Groups. A Cut Group includes all elements contained within a closed curve. The easiest way to understand this is to imagine a Design consisting of a square in a circle. The circle and square will be imported as one Cut Group, were the two shapes are locked in reference to one another.

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Split

• It is also possible to upload multiple independent curves outside of a closed curve from a single .dxf or .svg file. When these curves import they will maintain their positions and groupings, and they can be moved about the Virtual Cut Bed as a group. If you would like to manipulate each curve independently, select the Split option in the File menu. This will break any curves not contained within a closed curve into independent Cut Groups that can be manipulated independently.

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