Importing images from a CAD system

[Robert Stoker]

We never directly use DXF files. We first clean up the DXF file in 
Canvas (or Illustrator), and then save the file as EPS. This way we get 
rid of the bulk of the DXF format but keep the vectors. During the 
process, we don't resize the file to the final output size. Rather, we 
use a plug-in that we developed to import the EPS file into a standard 
frame. The plug-in automatically sizes and centers the file in the 
anchored frame.

Here are a few things to remember when you work with DXF files:

-You may need to delete proprietary information from the file. The file 
may contain supplier information, manufacturing information, etc. that 
you don't want to publish.
-You will need to bump up the line weights. The lines come in as 
hairlines. Hairlines don't print very well. We usually bump the lines 
to 0.5 pt.
-You may need to replace the text. The text is converted to paths 
during the DXF export (at least from ProE). Sometimes the text spacing 
and placement is destroyed during the export. Also, when you increase 
the line weight, the stroke of the text paths is increased.

Regards,
Robert Stoker
Seatech Publications, Inc.
Content Development,
FrameMaker Plug-ins, and
Product Information Management Systems
www.seatechpubs.com

-----Original Message Follows-----

> Importing images from a CAD system
> b_downing at verizon.net  b_downing at verizon.net
>  Thu Sep 7 11:15:09 MDT 2006
>
> 	
> I have a project where I may need to import wireframe images 
> (basically, perspective line drawings) from a Solidworks CAD system 
> into a Frame 7.0 document. Assuming that vector format will produce 
> the best resolution, has anyone had any problems importing DXF images 
> directly into Frame? Or is it better to convert to another format 
> first?
>
> Thanks,
>
> -Bill Downing
> b_downing at verizon.net