AP DXF Format

DXF R12 (AutoCAD Release 12) Desired features and toolpaths should be expressed as layers. Please note that "runover" geometry is NOT Automatic for profile and pocket toolpaths unless noted! If you need runover for profiling or pocketing on the edge of parts, please include DADO or RABBET in the layer name. This ensures CAM technicians will manually alter the geometry to the desired outcome. Please note this changes the per-sheet processing fee. Layer names may include an indexed suffix (_1, _2, etc.) when otherwise-identical geometry must remain on distinct CAD layers. The index is part of the layer identity; geometry on different indexed layers must not be merged or clipped together.

Example Layer Names

INT_R00625_THRU

EXT_R01875_D0250

POCKET_R00938_H0625_DADO

EXT_R02500_D0635_1

EXT_R02500_D0635_2

DRILL_R01180_D0625

VCARVE_R02500_D0250

MARK

Key	Description	Details	Tolerance
INT	Profile with Internal start ordering	Profiling requires a fully closed vector. The tool traces the edge using the tool diameter guideline for the position	-0.015 / +0.015" Position ; -0.000 / +0.020" Size
EXT	Profile with external start ordering	Profiling requires a fully closed vector. The tool traces the edge using the tool diameter guideline for the position	-0.015 / +0.015" Position ; -0.000 / +0.020" Size
POCKET	An internal profiling cut which also removes all interior material.		-0.015 / +0.015" Position ; -0.000 / +0.020" Size
DRILL	Drill a hole		-0.015 / +0.015" Position ; -0.000 / + 0.005" diameter
VCARVE	Use a 3D Vcarve strategy to achieve sharp corners.	the D value in this case becomes the "Flat depth".
MARK	Laser part numbering. should be closed vector letter shapes. The Laser toolpath will produce 0.032" rastering lines.	this toolpath name does not accept any additional parameters in the name
TRACE	run the tool along the centerline

Notations

R###...	Three or more digits, such as R01875 for 3/16" radius (3/8" tool), R00625 for 1/16" radius (1/8" tool), or R003125 for 1/32" radius. The decimal character is omitted; the first digit is the ones place and the remaining digits are decimal places.	-0.000 / +0.030"
DADO / RABBET	Requests manual process of runover geometry on part edges. Any line within 0.005" of profile will be extended.
D####	Depth relative to TOP of material. Actual thickness is used, not nominal.	-0.000 / +0.020"
H####	Height relative to BOTTOM of material.
THRU	Feature is cut clean through with added depth for clearance.
A####	Total angle for non-90 degree tools (V-bits, chamfer).
FLIP_	Prefix for machining on the flip side. H and D values are relative to flipped orientation.
_INDEX	Optional numeric suffix that keeps otherwise-identical geometry on a distinct CAD layer. The index is ignored for toolpath dimensions but not for geometry grouping.	Use a positive integer, for example `_1` or `_2`.

* Profiling flips relative tool orientation each time a fully contained closed vector is inside another on the same layer.

** D and H values use 3-4 digits representing a decimal value between 0 and 2.0, with the decimal omitted. e.g., D0250 for 1/4" (0.25), or D1250 for 1.25".

** Note we will always measure the sheet and use the actual thickness, not the nominal thickness.

** Rectangular-box manufacturing drawings currently use _1 for horizontal cross-member dados and _2 for the vertical backer rabbet. This orientation split is a temporary CAM compatibility workaround; a future robust solution must preserve overlapping cuts even when they share an axis.