What program to convert .jpg or .gif files to dxf format

[mofosheee]

Dear Cambamers

Suppose that I draw an image an save it as in a jpg format.,  what program is best for converting the image to dxf.  Thank you

[Orifice62]

Hi Mofosheee,
Inkscape:  http://inkscape.org/
Heres your Turbo Flange.dxf
I hope this works

Bret

[GeorgeRace]

I like img2cad.  You can see it at http://www.img2cad.com

A couple of files below.
George

[blowlamp]

mofosheee.

Why not just draw it in a CAD program and save it as a DXF, as it's a much more predictable way of getting what you want?


Martin.

[blowlamp]

mofoshee.

It's certainly a valid approach for some things, but I wouldn't recommend it for parts that have to be made to an exact size, although it's a useful tool for bringing in artwork.

You'll almost always have to mess around with areas of a drawing when brought in this way and the part you've given as an example (gasket/flange?), would be better made to some known dimensions, which is much easier to do in a proper CAD program - and some good free one are available, if that's what you want.



Martin.

[blowlamp]

For instance, I convert and save the attached .jpg file to dxf.  I open CamBam and and attempt to load the selected "dxf" file.   

A window pops up informing me that the original was in inches and I am attempting to change units of measure to millimeters.  I then select "no" to maintain the same units of measure (inches) then attempt to open the file. 

Results are that:

1) mm's are again displayed in the units of measure window.
2) No image is displayed.

What am I doing wrong please?

Thank you in advance. 

1/ The pop-up window is telling you that the file is in mm's and is asking if you would like to make mm's your default unit setting for CamBam. However, because the file is in mm's, that is why it is displayed as such.

2/ There don't appear to be any objects in your file for CamBam to display.

You aren't doing anything wrong, but problems like No2 are more common using the scan to cad technique.


Martin.

[blowlamp]

Jerry.

To get you going, here is the part drawn up in a CAD program from the dimensions shown in your picture.


Martin.

[Dragonfly]

All programs with bitmap tracing capabilities produce inaccurate results. Depending on image resolution, contrast, and used method for finding and tracing the edges.
I have a lot of experience in the field. Where there's no other way I prefer to trace manually and then edit the paths in a vector editor program. For example I have made a motor head gasket drawing to be laser cut from a scanned image, but it's a pain.

[swarfing]

Here is a simple to use 2d package that is the same as i use under linux. The link is for a free version for windows :-)
http://www.himili.com/blog/downloads/qcad-for-windows-gpl-version/

[Imagining]

Thank you Martin for that and all others for their valued input.   Would somebody please suggest a CAD program that would compliment CamBam?

So much to learn

Jerry

It isn't so much the CAD program being compliant with Cam Bam, it is the file type.  For 2D objects it is DXF files, for 3D there are other file types.

For a easy and free start you should look at Google SketchUp.

And yes, so much to learn, but we are all happy to help as others have helped us.

[lloydsp]

For a easy and free start you should look at Google SketchUp.

-------------
Having developed several large 3D landscape models in Sketchup of real-world venues (theme parks, for setting up fireworks displays), I can say that I'd rather pay double for some unknown commercial CAD program that might not even work, than to get Sketchup for free.

Lloyd

[Imagining]

Here is a 2D CAD program that is open source

http://librecad.org/cms/home.html

[Imagining]

Lloyd:

My experience with SketchUp for designing furniture with readily identifiable parts that can easily be visualized and then assembling those readily identifiable parts with known assembly methods is completely different from  " large 3D landscape models ... of real-world venues (theme parks, for setting up fireworks displays)".

I export DXF and STL files of objects designed with SketchUp to make the furniture pieces, many which are curvilinear in two planes, and have had not a bit of difficulty.

If I do start to design and the machine " large 3D landscape models ... of real-world venues (theme parks, for setting up fireworks displays)"  I will keep your observations in mind.

Thank you ever so much for your insights and concerns.

[Imagining]

Here is an open source 2/3D parametric CAD program:  http://solvespace.com/index.pl

[atwooddon]

Basically, for any file type CamBam can handle (ie, .dxf, .stl, etc) you just open the file using the File > Open command.  CamBam can currently handle .cb, .dxf, .stl, .3ds, .gbr file types.  Maybe more, I haven't looked recently.  I primarily work with .cb, .dxf, .stl file types.

Don