Importing DXF is extremely rough

[sh9WZ6F]

Hi,

I need to import a DXF-File to my PCB-Layout, so the Customer gets its drawings on the PCB.

The Import process in Fusion is straight forward, Place --> DXF/DWG --> done.

However, the details of the DXF-File are rendered extremely poorly. (shown Grid is 1mm for reference)

If I import the DXF-File into Fusion360 and export it as an DXF-File (or DWG-File) again and then import it, the situation gets a little better, but not far enough.

If I scale my DXF-File up by 10x, it gets much better.

But now it is 10 times bigger than I need it.

Is there a way to scale my drawing down after Import?

Is there a way to enhance the Import resolution when importing the drawing with 1x scaling?

This also happens, if I scale the Drawing to 10x using Fusion, export it to a DXF-File and scale it back to 1X while importing it into my PCB-Layout.

Thank you in advance!

[yqliu]

@sh9WZ6F , Here is a way you can try:

1. Import you dxf into a Fusion sketch. You first logo is composed of a few pieces. In this case you can add a box around them. 
2. Run "Create Independent PCB"
3. Now you have a 3D board. Push it to 2D and you should be able to get smoother curves. You can then change the layer from outline to any other layer you want.
   
   

[sh9WZ6F]

This workaround works somewhat.

I can import small parts of the Designe one by one.

But I am Stuck at the next issue.

I cannot change the Layer to TopSilkscreen.

If I try to do this, only parts of the design are changed.

The other parts cannot be moved to other Layers.

Nothing happens if I try to change the Layer to Top and the Milling-Layer yields the same result as TopSilkscreen.

When selecting the Lines of the Arrows, and go to properties, they are identified as Lines and I can change the Layer.

When I select one of the curves, they identify as Splines and I cannot change the Layer.

So, this Solution does not work out for me.

But thank you for Trying.

[jorge_garcia]

Hello @sh9WZ6F,

Here's an interesting idea. How did you generate the DXF? Try exporting it in the oldest DXF format your tool will support. Exporting it as polylines might allow it to import better if it's using splines.

See if that will give you a drawing that scales better.

Would you be willing to post the files so I can play with it and see if I can find a better way to import it.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[sh9WZ6F]

Hi @jorge_garcia,

I already gave up and redrew the Graphics myself, but I still want to give you Feedback.

The DXF-File is supplied by our Customer hence I have no control over the Format and export settings.

This is also the reason why I cannot post the File here or to you privately.

I uploaded the DXF-File to Fusion, where it is represented as a sketch inside of a standard document.

When I export it from there, I have no options to choose from when selecting DXF as an output.

And still, the DXF-File exported by Fusion has the same issues.

While retrying this I found out, that I can directly Import into a Library Footprint, if I select "Outline" instead of "Silkscreen" as Layer in the DXF/DWG Import Window.

But then there are even more issues.

Once I places the Imported lines, I cannot select them anymore.

Some of the Lines are selectable, some not.

This means, I cannot change the Layer of my drawing, nor can I delete it.

Do you have any further Ideas?

Thank you in advance!

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @sh9WZ6F,

I hope you're doing well. It's a shame you can't share the file, then we could test and see what's going on in the DXF importer.

As a trusted partner we are stewards of customer data, but you have to be comfortable with sharing the files. Even if it's a simplified version of the file or an example file that would help us get to the bottom of this.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[sh9WZ6F]

Hi @jorge_garcia,

I cut out a small part of the File.

How can I get it to you without sharing it publicly?

Best regards.

[yqliu]

The major issue is the geometry is too small. It's just about 2mm x 3mm. We can improve the resolution in future release.

For now you can try this:
1. If you dxf editing tool,  scale your dxf by 100x and then convert all splines into polylines. For example, in AutoCAD, you can use the PEDIT command to do it. 

2. Import the dxf into PCB on layer 20 with scale = 0.01.

3. Change all curve to the layer you want.

[sh9WZ6F]

Hi,

Thank you for your reply.

I do not have access to AutoCAD.

How can I convert splines to polylines in Fusion360?

Can you suggest any free utility I can use to convert splines to poly lines?

Thank you in advance!

[jorge_garcia · Accepted solution]

Hi @sh9WZ6F,

I hope you're doing well. I've used this plugin before with success.
https://apps.autodesk.com/FUSION/en/Detail/Index?id=4611814297957846949&appLang=en&os=Mac

Let me know if you continue to run into problems.

Best Regards,

[sh9WZ6F]

Hello@jorge_garcia,

Thank you very much, this now works!

To summarize the solution:

• Create new Design (temporary)
  • Insert -> Insert DXF
    • Creates Sketch
    • open the Sketch
      • Create -> "Export to DXF (Splines to Polylines)"      <-- The Addon mentioned by @jorge_garcia 
        
        • Set Conversion Tolanance as needed (eg. 0.01mm)
        • Save DXF-File
• Open Target PCB
  • Place -> Insert DXF/DWG
    • Choose settings as needed
    • Place
• Done!

Greetings!

[contactF3CNJ]

Hello,

After all these steps, I still get a super janky outline: (the shape below should be a smooth oval)

For me the issue really seems to be some sort of minimum step size of the PCB outline. When I import the EXACT same dxf file and import it at 10x scaling into THE SAME file, I get the following shape:

I tried all tricks in the book. I also tried to first use the dxf file to create a 3d body and then use that shape to create a board from it (so I could copy tha outline into my design). Still same results. I am seriously stuck on this and need to order PCBs asap. Any help? I really dont get how fusion 360 handles these dxf files/shapes without any issues, unless youre using it in the pcb designer...

I can not share the dxf file publicly, but I can share it with autodesk directly