On 04:46 PM 2/04/2001 -0700, Dennis Saputelli said:
>it works just as well to do this in acad
>i delete all the mask layers (saves a lot of redraw time) and then...
>EXPLODE ALL, this turns all the polylines into lines
>
>lines and tracks are then snappable and the file gets lots smaller
>
><..snip..>
>Dennis Saputelli
I agree about mask layers and other unused layers (paste etc) but I do not
agree that everything can be done as well in ACAD as getting the export
from Protel right...
A polyline in ACAD that simulates a line with thickness in Protel has
different snap characteristics than a 0 mil wide track exported from Protel.
A line with thickness exported from Protel, exploded to lines will have
vertex snap points at the outer edge of the Protel line - not the
centre. I would state that for most people (and certainly for all my
designs) that the centre of a mech line in Protel is the reference line -
not an edge. So, with a polyline or even exploded lines that simulate a
Protel-line-with-nonzero-thickness, snapping to a vertex in ACAD will, most
likely, give a dimension error. You could set up to snap to the middle of
the cap segment of the polyline but I have had problems with this due to
the way the DXF/DWG export attempts to simulate the line end-cap. Also,
when you are dealing with dimensioning a board you are often not zoomed
right in so you may think you have the correct snap but maybe you don't -
it is a pain continually having to select snap modes simply to overcome
something that is better done during the export phase.
I hate having to do global search and replace to set everything to 0
thickness - that is why I would like an
"Everything-Exported-as-Zero-Thickness" ACAD export option.
Dimensioning errors due to snapping to vertices of polylines simulating
non-zero line thickness may be small but are a source of confusion and
sometimes can cause critical placement problems (step and repeat errors on
panels might be one example).
A zero mil wide Protel track exports to ACAD with no-endcap and correct
vertex snap points - this has made my dimensioning and
export-to-industrial-designers life much easier and more accurate. As well
as making my mech CAD program fly.
Ian Wilson
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