How to convert DXF to NC1 (DSTV)

Why DXF is not enough for the machine

A DXF file is a drawing: lines, arcs, dimensions and text. It shows the part, but the machine does not know which line is the flange, which circle is a hole and how long the beam is. An NC1 file (also called a DSTV file) describes exactly that – profile, length, contours, holes and markings – in a form the machine software understands. To create an NC1 file from a DXF, someone – or something – first has to work out the profile, the faces and the holes from the drawing. Read more on the NC1 file format page.

DXF to DSTV: three ways to get an NC1 file from a drawing

1. Retype it in the machine software. Works for simple parts, but takes 5–30 minutes per part and every typo becomes scrap.
2. Export it from the 3D model. If you have the Tekla or Advance Steel model, export NC1 there. Often you only get the drawing, not the model.
3. Convert the DXF automatically. A DXF to NC1 converter such as the CutForge Converter reads the drawing and writes the NC1 file. It handles 98 % of single-part drawings on its own; failing drawings we convert for you within 24 hours.

Convert DXF to NC1 step by step with the CutForge Converter

1. Collect the DXF drawings of the parts – one part per file works best.
2. Open a file or a whole folder in the converter.
3. Check the warnings: the converter compares the recognised geometry with the dimensions and text in the drawing and tells you when something does not match.
4. Save the NC1 files – one per part.
5. Compare the preview with the drawing and run the machine's own simulation before cutting.

How to prepare a DXF file for NC1 conversion

• One part per file. Export single-part drawings rather than whole assembly sheets.
• Keep the title block text. Profile, material, quantity and part mark in the text help the self-check.
• Keep the dimensions. Do not explode dimensions into plain lines.
• Use DXF, not PDF. A PDF has lost the geometry; DWG can be saved as DXF in one click.
• Scale does not matter – the drawing does not have to be 1:1.

Typical problems and how to solve them

• Profile not recognised – the title block has no profile text or uses an unusual name. Send us the drawing; new names are added to the catalogue.
• Length and dimensions disagree – the converter warns instead of guessing. Check the drawing with the designer.
• Several parts in one file – split the drawing per part (support for whole sheets is in development).
• Anything else – send the DXF, you get the NC1 within 24 hours.

Checking the NC1 file

Always compare the generated part with the drawing – holes, distances, angles – and run the simulation of your machine before material is cut. That is good practice for every NC1 file, no matter where it comes from. To look at a finished file, drag it into the free online NC1 viewer.

And the other way: NC1 to DXF

This guide goes from DXF to NC1. The online NC1 viewer shows an NC1 file as a drawing but does not write DXF. Exporting plates from NC1 to DXF at 1:1 is planned for the Converter.