Error importing F360 generated DXF into Altium

[l_wcrenshaw]

I created a land pattern for a surface mount PCB component that I'm trying to import into Altium Designer.  Altium doesn't like the F360 generated DXF file.  I get the following import error:

"ERROR : The file could not be processed - Can't get current mlstyle"

Is there any insight you could shed on this?  I can import DXF files generated from other CAD systems.  Thanks.

[ADSKDJW4]

Hello lwcrenshaw,

I am not sure if this is a known issue but I am looking into it. Does Altium have other import options other than DXF? I will see if there are other options here and post back.

Regards,

Don Warner

[l_wcrenshaw]

For land patterns, I can DXF or DWG. Both fail, but with different errors. What intrigued me about the DXF failed import was that Altium listed what was missing from the DXF file. I have no problems importing DXF or DWG files generated from SolidWorks 2104. Thanks.

Lewis W. Crenshaw, IDSA, PMP
Infinite Mind Designs

[ADSKDJW4]

Hello Lewis,

Thank you for the reply and added information here. I am still checking with staff on this to see if it is a known issue. I may need to get the development team involved on this and will post back. Thank you for posting this and bringing it to our attention. I will keep you updated on this.

Best regards,

Don Warner

[innovatenate]

Lewis,

Could you clarify the exact build of Altium Designer that you're using? Is it the latest version? 

I note that Altium Designer 14.0 support DWG versions  2013:

http://techdocs.altium.com/display/ADOH/Enhancements+to+AutoCAD+Import-Export

I'll have to check which DWG is which version from Fusion 360. Perhaps the versions are incompatible...

Are you exporting a DWG from the command in the Drawing Environment or are you exporting a DWG from the Project Dashboard?

Also, you mentioned that "Altium listed what was missing from the DXF file." Could you share a screenshot of the error message or note what the message is saying here?

Thanks in advance for the clarification!

Cheers,

[l_wcrenshaw]

Sorry for the delayed response; I've been on travel.  I have not been a good customer w/ re. to maintaining a subscription (those cursed maintenance fees!!!), so I'm running AD10 (2012). 

Re. the DWG error, I am exporting the DWG from the drawing environment.

Re. DXF, I get the following message when I try to import a dxf:

"ERROR : The file could not be processed - Can't get current mlstyle"

My preference is to import a DXF b/c it's cleaner--no drawing template needs to be deleted.

Thanks for your help.

[bob_holland]

@l_wcrenshaw,

Is it possible for you to post a sample file that fails so that we can take a look at it.

Thank you.

[l_wcrenshaw]

Sure.  Here's the file that failed.

[bob_holland]

@l_wcrenshaw,

Can you tell me what kind of error message you are receiving?

I was able to upload and open the DXF file in Fusion 360 and it looks just like it does in AutoCAD.

Thank you.

[l_wcrenshaw]

"ERROR : The file could not be processed - Can't get current mlstyle"

[bob_holland]

@l_wcrenshaw,

Can you please try again.

Maybe there was a hiccup in the upload translator.

Thank you.

[l_wcrenshaw]

Zipped it this time...

[bob_holland]

@l_wcrenshaw,

I was able to upload that one into Fusion also.

Have you been successful in uploading other DXF files?

Thank you.

[bob_holland]

@l_wcrenshaw,

I have been successful in uploading you file from both a Mac and PC.

Can you please provide me with your Diagnostic Log Files:

Thank you.

[l_wcrenshaw]

My issue is taking an F360 generated DXF and not being able to import it into Altium. I think you're looking at it the other way around 🙂

[bob_holland]

@l_wcrenshaw,

I am wondering if your version or Altium does not support a 2013 DXF file.

I have attached a 2010 and 2013 DXF file from AutoCAD for you to test.

Please let me know of your test results.

Thank you.

[bob_holland]

This time with the 2013 dxf file.

[l_wcrenshaw]

Interesting.  Both the 2010 and 2013 files import just fine.

[bob_holland]

@l_wcrenshaw,

All of the other applications I have test seem to be fine with this DXF file.

Here is a free viewer also.

https://360.autodesk.com/Viewer

Have you consulted with Altium to see what they say about their software giving the error:

"ERROR : The file could not be processed - Can't get current mlstyle"

Thank you.

[l_wcrenshaw]

Since I let my subscription expire, I don't think that I'll get much help.  Regardless, I appreciate all of your help!