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.
CAD System dwf viewer
Seam allowance
  • Zoom in to see the double lines. If needed move one of the lines to see which one is correct/ not dashed
  • what is a dxf file zoom
    Zoom
  • 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]

    dwg to jpg
    DWG View
    ExtensionBrand
    .IBAPattern File Lectra
    .MDLPattern File Lectra
    .VETPattern File Lectra
    .PLXMarker File Lectra
    .PLAMarker File Lectra
    .PDSPattern File Optitec
    .TMPPattern and Marker File Gerber Accumark
    .MRKMarker File Optite
    .DSPMarker File Optite
    .HPGLPlot File
    .PLTPlt file format for plot
    .DXFDrawing Exchange Format
    .AAMAAmerican 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 Machine parameter’s File system
    Visualise Point

    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 Garment or Marker Parameter File system
    Sew Together

    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 Referenced Text Library
    Text Library

    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]

    hpgl
    HPGL File System

    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]

    hpgl2
    HPGL2 File System

    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
    What is a Dxf File
    DXF File System

    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]

    DWG can convet dwg to pdf
    DWG File System

    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]

    dwf viewer
    DWF File System

    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]

    plt viewer with plt file format
    PLT File System
     
    [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)