convert an EPS file to lines to then export as DXF for cnc cutter.

[Frans Jansen]

HI all,

 

We have an EPS file that we need to convert and edit so a CNC machine and jet cutter can print it (and I need to add some holes for bolts etc..)

I have done this process before about a year ago and had succes, however, I can't seem to do it currently, I might miss a simple step that I forgot over time but it starts doing my head in and couldn't find the solution in the forum.. been playing with it for about 2 hours now and can't really afford loosing more time on it so I hope that someone can point me in the right direction...

 
If I import the EPS file and use "Command K" it does not explode (sorry if explode isn't the correct wording..) also ungrouping doesn't seem to help.

If I double click on the file it opens the "bitmap crop edit" but can't do much there...

I also tried to export it as PDF and then import the PDF with ungrouping, it does give me something but definitely not the result I am after...

 

The EPS file is a line file (not a bitmap) but for some reason I can't figure it out.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

bellow 2 screenshots of what we did last year...

 

This was the eps import:

 

And then I was able to get to this 2d image which is what I need. 

 

 

 

Our current design is bellow but I can't even remove the measurement labels...

 

 Thanks everyone

 

ps working in VW / brace works 22.

 

[Pat Stanford]

The graphics in the EPS file are not necessarily vector linework. It is possible to embed raster (image) data into the EPS.

 

One way to check this would be to zoom in very far on the image. If it gets pixelated as you zoom it, it is probably not vector graphics.

 

Can you go back to the source of the EPS and see if they can give you a version that is truly vectors and not rasterized?

[Pat Stanford]

Or post the EPS here and someone will take a look.

[Frans Jansen]

Thanks Pat for your reply! much appreciated!

 

I can zoom in very far and keeps sharp so to me it seems like a vector file
I will send you a private message as I can't seem to post the EPS extension here..

 

 

[Pat Stanford]

No luck.

 

VW does not allow you to "explode" EPS files.

 

I used an on-line converter to convert to both PDF and DXF.  The DXF was closest, but it would still take a lot of cleanup to make the lines the same width and connected properly.

 

Best option would be to see if the original source can send you the file in a different format. If they can export DWF instead of EPS it might work much better.

 

If you are on a Mac, you might want to download Graphic Converter from Lemkesoft and see what that can do for you.

 

Or try some of the other on-line converters and see if they offer better results.  The one I tried was Convertio

 

Good luck and sorry.

[Nick Kargel]

Looking to do something similar, I seem to be having success with this:

 

• import eps into Inkscape (free vector editor, slightly buggy)
• export to pdf
• import pdf into VW
• ungroup pdf

 

In my case anyway, I got polylines I could edit and extrude.

[Benson Shaw]

For posting eps in forum, try changing the extension from eps to pdf or other (and explain the switch). Or zip it. 
 

also, is it possible to fool vwx with same trick?   what happens if extension of orig eps file is switched to pdf, then imported into vwx?  (Probably best to save/close all other vwx files first, in case crash!)

 

-B

Edited May 10, 2023 by Benson Shaw
Planning a party

[Nick Kargel]

update: I'm finding that if the object in the .eps has no stroke, it doesn't import the vectors via my method above. If I give it a stroke in inkscape before saving as pdf, the vectors will import into vectorworks.