Plt File Format

CAD Software means Computer Aided Design software which support dxf,  dwf,  dwg,  HPGL2, mrk and plt file format. The design which is created by the help of computer is called CAD.  Most of the IT based companies provide the customers the specific needs of their CAD sectors. Sometimes customers demand customized CAD system as they can convert the file system like pdf to dxf and dwg to pdf.  [2]

Advantages of CAD System: 

1. Reduction in waste percentage of up to 10%
2. Reduction in sample making time of camcad
3. If no seam allowance on the original pattern, double lines may occur on the converted pattern. In this example there is a green straight line and red dashed line on top of each other. Use ”delete line” function to delete the dashed line.

Zoom in to see the double lines. If needed move one of the lines to see which one is correct/ not dashed

Visualize all points

Use ”decrease point” function

If needed – decrease more points manually

Some points need to be re-characterized to get the same shape as the original

After decreasing points check the pattern carefully

After decreasing points Compare the shape with original pattern

After decreasing points Zoom in actual area when comparing shape

After decreasing points Marry with neighbor pieces to check lines

After decreasing points Measure

Compare pattern piece with reduced points on top of original pattern piece

Zoom in actual area when comparing shape

Adjust the line to match original pattern shape exactly

Pattern piece with reduced points on top of original pattern piece must have exactly the same shape

Use ”marry” function to check that neighbor pieces still have smooth continuous lines when ”sewn together”

Dwg to Jpg :

There are many tyeps of file format found about cad – computer aided design software name as dxf,  dwf,  dwg,  HPGL2, mrk, iba, plt etc. Generally dwg to jpg file conversion is very essential for designers.  All manufacturer have develop their own file format of CAD for the machines. They have developed also common types of file format of CAD as it can be compatible with other machines. Bellow shown some file system with brand. [1]

Extension	Brand
.IBA	Pattern File Lectra
.MDL	Pattern File Lectra
.VET	Pattern File Lectra
.PLX	Marker File Lectra
.PLA	Marker File Lectra
.PDS	Pattern File Optitec
.TMP	Pattern and Marker File Gerber Accumark
.MRK	Marker File Optite
.DSP	Marker File Optite
.HPGL	Plot File
.PLT	Plt file format for plot
.DXF	Drawing Exchange Format
.AAMA	American Architectural/ Apparel Manufacturers Association, similar file with DXF

Lectra file system Machine parameter’s File system:

This element is used to locate the name and place of a machine parameter’s file system. At User rank, this element cannot be input or modified : the original parameter’s of the plotter will be used (TRAPARAM file system). At Master rank, it is possible to input the name of a machine parameter’s file system to be used, to describe a original machine parameter’s

Lectra file system Garment or Marker Parameter File system:

This element is used to locate the name and place of a part, garment or marker parameter’s file system . At Master rank, it is possible to input the name of a parameter file system to be used, or to describe it by original in the library parameter’s. At User rank, this element cannot be input . If no original file system name has been described, the original parameter’s of the TRAPARAM file system will be loaded. The operator can modify the value of some parameter’s. If a original file system name has been described at Master rank, the values contained in this file system will be used, and the modifications made by the user in the geometry, text and operating parameter’s will have no effect. The Param.file system line is used to describe the name and place of a parameter file system. The input principle is identical to the one described for the name and place of the machine parameter’s file system. For plotting parts, as soon as a parameter file system is associated to a part to be plotted, it is automatically associated to all lines of the batch.

Lectra file system Referenced Text Library:

This element is used to locate the name and place of the library where are stored the text file systems, which contain the text to be plotted in a part. The name of the file system is referenced in the part file system with the CAD software. A parameter line is used to describe the name and place of the referenced text library. Input directly the access path or double-click on this line to display the selector. A original value can be allocated to this library in the library parameter’s. This element cannot be visualised in the work list.

Lectra file system Information File system:

This element is used to locate the name and place of the “Label” file system to be used. This file system describes the nature and presentation of the informationrmation which will plotted inside each form according to the selected operating mode. These file systems (Part information , Marker information, Garment information) can only be created by a Master rank user. The Information file system line is used to describe the name and place of the label format file system. The input principle is identical to the one described for the name and place of the machine parameter’s file system. A original value can be allocated to this library in the library parameter’s. This element cannot be visualised in the work list.

HPGL: 

HPGL was the primary printer control language used by HP plotters. It later became a standard for almost all plotters.HPGL2 is the extendded version of HPGL [1]

HPGL2: 

The original HPGL language of CAD did not support the definition of line width. Production of the first inkjet plotters, line width for the pens specified within the HPGL files had to be set at the printer so it would know what line width to print for each pen, a cumbersome and error-prone process. After developing HPGL2, definition of line width was introduced into the language and allowed for elimination of this step. [1]

What is a Dxf File? 

DXF stands for Drawing eXchange Format. It is possible to convert from dxf to pdf.  Since its initial release in 1982, there have been many changes to the DXF file format specifications.

• IBA and DXF – same shape but more points in DXF
• DXF more safe for the shape
• IBA and mdl sometimes need to check for additional information
• Important to check if there is any text information in other file types

DWG Support HPGL2 : 

DWG format is a binary file format used for storing two and three dimensional design data and metadata. In addition, DWG vieweris supported non-natively by many other CAD applications. There are some software available in market of dwg to pdf converter, dwg viewer. [1]

Dwf Viewer: 

Design Web Format – DWF is a secure file format of  dwf viewer developed by autodesk for the efficient distribution and communication of rich design data to anyone who needs to view, review, or print design files. [1]

Plt Viewer: 

The PLT file format system run by plt viewer which is stands for Auto CAD plotter Document. The Autodesk Auto CAD program uses plt viewer for the vector graphic plotter files created using the specified program.  [1]

 

[1] Engr. Kh. Mashiur Rahman, Garments Auto Machine Technologist, Web: www.autogarment.com, Email: autogarments@gmail.com, Cell: +88 017 92 52 53 54
[2] Md. Shakhawat Hossain Sujan, Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering, City University of Bangladesh (4th year)