DXF Import

DXF Import Procedure

To Import a DXF Section

1. Draw the outline of the section in your CAD program. If you have multiple shapes defined in one DXF file, we recommend that you place them on separate layers in your CAD program.
2. Save the file as a DXF file.
3. Open RISASection (you can open a new file or an existing file).
4. Go to File - Import DXF File and browse to select your DXF file.

Notes:

• RISASection will only import 2D shapes from your CAD model.
• It is recommended that you separate any built up sections onto separate layers in the DXF file. For instance, if you are modeling a cap channel, you should model the wide flange shape on one layer and the channel on another. This helps the import function to clearly separate the shared lines between the two for a more accurate import.
• The program will warn you if your DXF, or part of your DXF cannot be imported.
• The program will always import a DXF section as a New Section in your file. Therefore, if you want to add shapes to it within the program you must import first and then add shapes later.

For additional advice on this topic, please see the RISA News website: www.risanews.com. Type in Search keywords: DXF Import.

Import DXF Options

After selecting your DXF file, the program will offer you options for the import in the Import DXF File dialog so that you insure an accurate import.

The options are as follows:

DXF Units

This selection allows you to define which units you used in the CAD model. Therefore, if your CAD model was created using millimeters and the RISASection file defaults to inches, the import feature will automatically convert the dimensions.

In addition to the standard unit options, you may also chose None as your DXF Units. This simply means that no unit conversion will be taken into account. The dimension magnitudes that you entered in CAD will be taken as they are for the RISASection model. These magnitudes will then be assigned units based on the default units set in RISASection.

CAD Plane

This selection defines which plane you drew your two dimensional section in the CAD model.

CAD Vertical Axis

The implied default vertical axis in AutoCAD is the positive Z-axis of the current User Coordinate System. The default vertical axis in RISASection is the positive Y-axis. Therefore, when you import your model from a DXF file, you can have the program automatically rotate your geometry so that the Y axis is now the vertical axis for your RISASection model.

Invalid DXF Shapes

RISASection currently only imports Lines, Polylines, Arcs, and Circles. The program will NOT import the following shapes from DXF:

• Single line segments (try a polyline instead)
• Open outlines (such as a U shape)
• Spline line types
• Ovals / Ellipses.