Optimizing DXF file for Laser etching.

[AndyatTrend]

Is there a software that would automatically optimize DXF file for use with the Icon software (by Control Laser)?

I don't know much about it except for redrawing the CAD file in the order of the laser path.

Is there an easy way?
Thanks.
Andy.

 

[HVACctrl]

Maybe I am mis-understanding the question. But, a few years back, I used to have quite a few things laser cut. All I had to do was save the CAD file (at the time, it was CADKey) as a dxf. The laser machine's software could make the cut with the dxf file.

Are you having problems converting to dxf or is the laser not accepting dxf?

Ed

 

[AndyatTrend]

Not for Laser cut, but for Laser marking machine. What it does, it uses laser beam to heat up plastic causing discoloration. It's looks like a label ( picture, text, etc.), but it is a burned one.
This is a Control Laser Machine running a ICON software that generates it's own LOGO files. Now, the label We're trying to burn is a complex one, would take great amount of time to recreate the DXF file the way they're asking:
-draw the lines in the order of continues tool path, so the laser does not jump from one place to another. Every time it goes on & off it creates a burst on the material.
- also the machine ICON software converts the moves in the same order as the cad file was created. It's not going to fallow a square if the lines were not created in a consecutive order ( if someone draws top line than bottom, left, than right, that's how the laser with burn the image in the same order, will not go around the square with the laser on all the time).

So, I was wondering, is there a software that would let me create a chain of existing entities and create a continues tool path in the logo file for this machine?

This is an old machine and our resources or time frame don't allow us to do it the right way like basic & advanced training by the maker of the machine. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Andy.

 

[chev1954]

Check out a software thats called Fobagraf. its a software for a yag laser but since i only have a CO2 laser i only use this for converting DFX files hope this will help you