DXF file checklist
Customer DXF files are messy. Before you quote (or cut), check units, layers, open contours, and nested parts. This checklist helps you catch problems before they become expensive.
What goes wrong with customer DXF files
Wrong units
Customer says "it's 6 inches" but the file is in millimeters. You cut a part 6mm wide. Scrap.
Open contours
Paths that look closed aren't. The laser tries to cut, but the shape never closes. Bad cuts, wasted time.
Multiple layers with different meanings
Layer 0 is cut paths. Layer "Notes" has dimensions. You cut the dimensions. Oops.
Nested or duplicated geometry
Same path drawn twice, or text converted to paths. Double pierce, double cut time, possible burn-through.
Non-cutting elements
Dimensions, title blocks, centerlines. If you don't filter them, you're quoting (and cutting) things that shouldn't be cut.
DXF checklist before quoting
1. Check units
Look at the bounding box dimensions. If a 6" part shows as 152.4, it's in mm. If a 100mm part shows as 3.94, it's in inches. Fix before proceeding.
2. Review layers
What layers are present? Which contain cut paths? Ignore or delete layers with dimensions, notes, or construction geometry.
3. Inspect for open paths
Zoom in on corners and complex areas. Are paths fully closed? Open paths won't cut properly and may confuse nesting.
4. Look for duplicate geometry
If cut length seems too high, check for overlapping paths. Text-to-path conversion often creates doubles.
5. Identify pierce points
Count pierces. High pierce count on simple geometry suggests duplicates or unnecessary interior paths.
6. Verify dimensions match expectations
Does the part size match what the customer described? If not, clarify before quoting.
How NanoQuote helps with DXF review
Visual preview
See the parsed geometry overlaid on a coordinate grid. Spot obvious unit issues immediately.
Bounding box display
Width × height shown clearly. Compare to customer specs to verify units.
Layer breakdown
See which layers exist and what's on each. Toggle layers to isolate cut paths.
Cut length and pierce count
Automatic totals. Suspiciously high numbers suggest duplicates or extra geometry.
Unit detection/override
NanoQuote attempts to detect units. If it's wrong, override manually before proceeding.
Open path warnings
Flags contours that don't close. Decide whether to fix the file or proceed with caution.
Why file review matters
Frequently asked questions
Tell them. Send a screenshot showing the issue. Either they fix it, or you charge for file cleanup. Don't guess your way through a broken file.
For simple files, it's part of quoting. For complex or problematic files, consider a cleanup fee. Your time has value.
DXF is the primary supported format. Most CAD programs can export DXF. If the customer has something else, ask them to convert.
NanoQuote is for quoting, not CAD editing. If paths are open, fix them in your CAD software before re-uploading.
Ask the customer if it's not obvious. Typically, a layer named 'Cut' or 'Outline' or simply layer 0 contains cut paths. Layers with 'Dim', 'Notes', or 'Construction' are usually non-cutting.
Related resources
Product Features
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