DXF parsing with layer control and unit overrides
Upload a DXF and NanoQuote extracts cut geometry automatically - cut length, pierce count, bounding box, and rapid moves. Control which layers become parts and override units when files are ambiguous.
DXF headaches NanoQuote solves
Manual measurement wastes time
Opening every file in CAD to measure cut lengths and count pierce points takes forever - especially for complex parts.
Units are often wrong or missing
DXF files don't always declare units. A file might say '100' - is that mm or inches? Without clear metadata, you're guessing.
Multi-layer files cause confusion
Some layers are construction geometry, some are cut paths. You need to pick which layers actually become parts.
Geometry errors sneak through
Open contours, duplicate lines, and overlapping paths can throw off cut length calculations if you're not looking closely.
No preview before committing
You don't see what the quoting system extracted until you've already created line items. Then you find the problem.
How DXF parsing works in NanoQuote
Upload your DXF file
Drag and drop or click to upload. NanoQuote accepts standard DXF files with 2D cut geometry (lines, arcs, polylines, circles).
NanoQuote extracts geometry automatically
The parser identifies cut paths and calculates cut length, pierce count, bounding box dimensions, and rapid move distances for each source.
Review detected sources (layers)
See each layer in the file with its extracted metrics. Preview dimensions and cut stats before deciding what to use.
Enable/disable layers and override units
Choose which layers become parts. If a layer has wrong units, flip between mm and inches - geometry recalculates instantly.
Create parts from selected geometry
Turn the geometry into quote line items with quantities, materials, and pricing. All metrics carry through from the parsed data.
DXF parsing capabilities
Automatic cut length extraction
Total length of all cut paths in the geometry. Used to calculate machine cutting time based on your configured cut speed.
Pierce count detection
Number of pierce points (where the cutter penetrates material). Combined with pierce time setting to calculate pierce duration.
Bounding box dimensions
Part width and height from the geometry extents. Used for nesting and to sanity-check unit scale.
Rapid move calculation
Distance the head travels between cuts (at rapid speed, not cutting). Factors into total machine time.
Layer-level control
Enable or disable individual layers. Different layers can have different unit settings if the file is inconsistent.
Unit override per source
Switch between mm and inches per layer or file. Geometry metrics recalculate automatically when you change units.
Why NanoQuote's DXF parsing is different
Frequently asked questions
NanoQuote supports standard DXF files with 2D geometry - lines, arcs, circles, polylines, ellipses, and splines. Most CAD software exports compatible DXF files (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.).
NanoQuote focuses on 2D cut paths. If your DXF has 3D geometry, only the 2D projection will be processed. For best results, export 2D cut geometry from your CAD system.
You'll see each layer as a separate source with its own metrics. Enable the layers you want to quote, disable the others. Each layer can have independent unit settings.
NanoQuote traces all path segments (lines, arcs, splines) to calculate total cut length. Accuracy depends on file quality - duplicate or overlapping paths will inflate the number.
No - NanoQuote is for quoting, not CAD editing. If you need to modify geometry, edit in your CAD software and re-upload the DXF.
Usually means units are incorrect. Try flipping between mm and inches. If a 4" part shows as 100mm, the file was probably exported in mm but represents inches.
Related resources
Related Product Features
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