Auto CAD DXF Three Common Mistakes That People Make When Converting Patterns to DXF-AAMA File Format

DXF-AAMA is a file format developed by the American Apparel Manufacturers Association in an attempt to solve the difficulties of using DXF files. Now when talking about converting a pattern into a DXF (Drawing exchange Format. ) you will find that your converted pattern does not contains neither scale or units nor usually any method of reliably describing what needs to be cut, drawn, drilled or notched in your pattern file however, this file is the most commonly used format for exchange of drawing files. Listed below, are three of the most commonly made mistakes made by people not software when trying to convert a pattern into this type of file.

1rst Problem: Thinking that your pattern will be a print file and not a cut file

Thinking that your converted DXF CAD pattern file will be kept in a computer system for further modifications is a common mistake. Most of the time, your converted file pattern will be neither needed nor wanted. The purpose of the document is to generate tool paths for a machine. So keep that in mind when formatting and exporting. In most cases nobody will need to open the drawing in a CAD program, so eliminate what is not essential. Think about what is needed in a drawing, format and export accordingly.

2rd problem: Not making the outline of your pattern into one closed polyline creating nesting problems.

In computer graphics a polygonal chain is called a polyline and is often used to approximate curved paths. Not closing your pattern outline will create problems when nesting your pattern and processing your DXF file.

3rd problem: Including objects in a drawing that are unnecessary.

Information such as Fabric type, sewing details, pattern codes, designer comments etc.. They all should not be included in your pattern as these will obstruct the conversion process. Think of a way to hide or make invisible these text blocks put a reference layer or delete all information before exporting to DXF.

To conclude, three of the most common AAMA DXF pattern conversion mistakes are done by people and not by software. Converting a pattern into a DXF (Drawing exchange Format.) will allow other CAD programs to read and import your digital pattern into tangent or any other nesting and plotting programs. Some information lost in the conversion process include: No available information to find if your pattern has a scale or units, notching information, drill marks etc..Not making the outline of your pattern into one close polyline and including non essential objects like text blocks all around a pattern will all contribute to badly formatted DXF files.

 About the Author
Occupation: Designer/ Prod. Pattern Making Consultant. Leading Technical designer, Alejandro Esparza owner of www.smartpatternmaking.com  has provided for over 22 years, Apparel clothing line Services for many top companies of our time in Los Angeles CA USA

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