Drawings & files
Evaluate DXF contours, STL and STEP models, G-code, and CSV files.
In short: Drawings & files
These tools evaluate manufacturing files: contour lengths and closed areas from DXF, surface area, volume and extents from STL, entity types and vertex spans from STEP, travel paths and nominal run time from G-code, title block and tolerance callouts from the text of PDF drawings and the structure of CSV tables. They provide key figures but do not replace checking the original.
Frequently asked questions about Drawings & files
Why does an STL file need a unit?
The STL format only stores the coordinates of the triangles, not a length unit. Whether a file was exported in millimetres or inches must therefore be stated: lengths scale linearly, areas quadratically and volumes cubically. A volume can only be derived from a closed mesh without self-intersections.
How accurate is the run time from a G-code evaluation?
The evaluation divides feed paths by the programmed feed and calculates rapid moves with an assumed rapid speed. Acceleration, tool changes, spindle ramp-up and dwell times are missing, so the actual machine run time is usually longer.
What does the PDF drawing check read?
It searches the text layer of the PDF for drawing number, material, scale, threads, fits, roughness and general tolerances. Scanned drawings without a text layer and purely graphical dimensions are not read; every finding must be compared with the original drawing.
Why are extents from a STEP file not exact part dimensions?
The evaluation only uses the coordinates of the vertices. Curved faces such as cylinders can extend beyond these points, and assembly transformations or unclear units are not resolved. Exact dimensions come from a CAD system or a full geometry evaluation.