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.

Example Layer Names

INT_D0125_THRU

EXT_D0375_Z025

POCKET_D0188_P0625_DADO

DRILL_D0236_Z0625

VCARVE_D05_Z025

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".
PN	Laser part numbering. should be closed vector letter shapes. The Laser toolpath will produce 0.032" rastering lines, which is a sparse marking consisten with what you see on plywood edging from factories.	this toolpath name does not accept any additional parameters in the name
TRACE	run the tool along the centerline

Notations

D####	where ### is a number such as D025 for a 1/4" tool to be used. The first digit is always the whole number before the decimal point, which can be zero for tools less than 1 inch in diameter. The tool diameter will dictate the minimum achievable internal corner radius when profiling or pocketing. The radius will be 1/2 the D value. For metric tools, enter the inch equivalent (ie D0236 for a 6mm tool)	-0.000 / +0.030"
DADO / RABBET	Requests that AP manually process runover geometry for profile or pockets on the edge of part profiles so that no internal radius from the tool size is left in the pocket. Any line within 0.005" of the part profile edge will be extended in one or more directions to achieve assembly clearance
Z####	The depth of the feature to be cut relative to the top of the material. Note we will always measure the sheet and use the actual thickness, not the nominal thickness.	-0.000 / +0.020"
P####	The depth of the feature to be cut relative to the bottom of the material Note we will always measure the sheet and use the actual thickness, not the nominal thickness.
THRU	The feature is cut clean through with added depth to ensure full drill clearance and clean bottom edges of profiles.
A####	Angle for tools that are not 90 degrees. For example, Vee bits or chamfer bits. Use the total angle of the tool. That is, the silhouette as measured aginst a protractor, not one side from the centerline.

* Profiling flips relative tool orientation each time a fully contained closed vector is inside another on the same layer. For example, for an EPRO with one outer rectangle and an inner rectangle will result in the tool being outside on the first rectangle and inside on the second.

** Numeric values in layer names should use a 2-4 digit number which is a decimal value between 0 and 2.0, with the decimal character omitted. for example, D025 for 1/4", or D125 for 1.25"

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