Tip: Check our library for free DXF files that you can use in your designs. Unless you’re planning to exclusively focus on 3D Printing, I recommend you make sure you CAD software can handle DXF files as they come up an awful lot for CNC work. The most common file format for 2D work is Autodesk’s ubiquitous DXF format. There really are no interesting 3D features, it is the outline that makes the part and the outline is 2D. The part is flat on the top and the bottom. These are not so useful for making 3D parts, but they are still very popular for CNC work because a lot that goes on can be represented in 2D.

While STL files are the most common 3D file format, there are 2D CAD files as well. STL files consist of many linked triangles (called a “mesh”) that simulate the surface of the object you want to print.

Most CAD that’s 3D capable will do so, as STL is sort of the lowest common denominator file format. Most Slicer software works from an STL (Stereo Lithography) file, so make sure you’re using a CAD program that can generate STL’s. Some amount of hand tweaking of the parameters is needed for best results, but in many cases, Slicers are simpler software than the software used to generate GCodes for subtractive machining such as you’d need for a milling machine, CNC router, or lathe.

There are a number of different software packages out that can serve as your Slicer, and most 3D Printers come with one program or another. Let’s go through some of these different paths to give you a good idea of what kind of software you’ll want to have around to get the job of generating GCode done.ģD Printers typically use software that “slices” a 3D model of a part into layers, and then they generate g-code that extrudes plastic to fill each layer.

The very next thing you will need to do is convert whatever representation of your part that you have into GCode, because that’s what CNC Machines run. You might even want to start with a list of simple machining operations, much the way you’d approach creating a part “off the cuff” and without drawings on a manual machine tool. You may also need to start from images, vector art from a drawing program, or perhaps some other file types. Most of the time this is a function of a CAD program, but not always. When you’re starting out with CNC or 3D Printing, the first thing you’ll want to get your arms around is creating some sort of model, drawing, or representation of your part.

What is the best dxf to gcode converter