<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<article xmlns="http://docbook.org/ns/docbook" version="5.0" xml:lang="en">
<title>DXF to NGC Converter: dxfncg</title>
<sect1 xml:id="introduction">
<title>Introduction</title>
<para>
The DXF to NGC converter <emphasis>dxfngc</emphasis> provides a
means to convert 2D technical drawings in DXF file format to G-code
in NGC format used by CNC mills or routers (e.g. LinuxCNC).
</para>
<para>
Usually, the 2D drawings in DXF format do not contain enough information
for G-code creation, e.g. about which lines describe the border of a part
and which lines describe holes. The diameter of the cutting tool and the
depth of the cut are other examples. Therefore, dxfngc relies on a
script file to control the G-code generation. This script is the input
to the tool. It sets all required parameters, reads the drawing,
controls generation of the G-code and finally writes the output file.
</para>
</sect1>
<sect1 xml:id="first_example">
<title>A First Example</title>
<para>
To illustrate the usage of dxfngc, suppose a stencil for the
<emphasis>BlinkenArea</emphasis> logo shall be cut with a CNC mill. The
basic shape of the stencil is a circle. The logo is formed by two holes
with a specific shape (see <xref linkend="logo_stencil"/>).
</para>
<figure xml:id="logo_stencil">
<title>Logo Stencil</title>
<mediaobject>
<imageobject>
<imagedata fileref="logo_stencil.svg" format="SVG" width="30%"/>
</imageobject>