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If you’re unfamiliar with CNC (Computer Numerical Control), it enables machines like laser cutters and water jets to transform computer-based designs into physical products. For example, fancy creating a new sign for your store? All you need is your chosen design and a CNC machine. In order for the machine to read the file, however, it must be in the form of what is known as ‘G-Code’.
Converting your files to G-Code does not have to be a complicated process. If you’re starting out with an accessible file type like DXF, it’s actually really easy. No need to learn code—just use software that can do the work for you.
This article explores what DXF and G-Code actually are, and how you can convert from one to the other in a few simple steps.
DXF is a vector graphic file type that has become the standard format for data exchange. Indeed, the full name for this file type is actually Design eXchange Format. Created in 1982 by Autodesk, it’s particularly useful for sharing designs across different CAD programs. The files have an open source format and enable people to access AutoCAD drawings, for instance, without the need to use Autodesk applications. DXF files are a sound choice if you’re working with 2D vector images, and a great starting point if you’re looking to convert to G-Code.
G-Code is a programming language made up of letters and digits. It’s largely associated with CNC machines, but can also be used in 3D printing and photoplotting. In terms of the former, G-Code tells CNC machines where and how to move. Using what are called Cartesian coordinate locations, the machine is fed instructions including direction, speed and depth—thus enabling it to create products from a computer image.
An example of G-Code within a CNC editor. As you can imagine, it’s not easy to write the code yourself unless you’re an experienced CAM programmer!
The G-Code itself looks quite complex and can be intimidating if you’re new to CNC. Don’t let that put you off, though—you certainly don’t need to be a code breaker to work with these tools! Rather than writing the G-Code yourself, or attempting to modify existing G-Code, you have the option of using CAM software or CAD editing programs to produce the code.
CNC projects can be fun, satisfying and educational. Plus, they allow you to create a huge variety of useful products. Tools, furniture, machine parts and even jewellery can be made using CNC machines. The possibilities are almost endless!
If you’re new to CNC, or want to simplify the process of using CNC machines, DXF files are a particularly useful place to start. Designs saved in the DXF format don’t need to be vectorized, so you can export them directly to G-Code using programs like Scan2CAD and they’ll be ready to cut!
Wondering where to begin? Have a browse through these 13 sites with free DXFs. You can also receive free DXF packs directly from Scan2CAD—simply enter your email in the box at the bottom of the page to sign up and get exploring. Use the designs as inspiration for your own work, or start experimenting straight away!
We’re going to show you how to use Scan2CAD to convert your files to G-Code. There’s no need to start stressing about learning a new programming language—in a few simple clicks, the job can be done for you.
Scan2CAD makes it easy to directly export a vector image to G-Code. All you have to do is open up your DXF file in Scan2CAD and save it as G-Code. You have three options when it comes to the G-Code file extensions Scan2CAD supports: .CNC, .NC and .TAP. Make your choice based on which one is compatible with your particular CNC machine. The three listed are some of the most popular types, so you shouldn’t have any trouble. Transfer the files to your machine and production can begin. Simple!
If you need to get specific with the export settings, no problem—Scan2CAD’s CNC Export dialog presents a range of settings that you can tweak to meet your requirements:
As you can see, the conversion process can be as simple or detailed as you want it to be, depending on your CNC knowledge. So, whether it’s a new hobby or something you want to use to benefit your business, explore the potential of CNC today!
This page has an assortment of free G-code, CamBam, dxf, and stl files that are meant for hobby CNC machine use. Some of these files appear elsewhere on this site and have also been placed here to help keep everything organized.
I will try and update this page periodically as I gather together more files, so check back from time to time for more.
Also, check out Links to other Sites with Free Files Useful for CNC for more.
I cannot completely guarantee that the files on this page will function correctly. It is always possible that I accidentally uploaded a previous version of a file that didn’t have all the kinks worked out yet. Use them at your own discretion and remember that I will not take responsibility for any damage to one’s self, to others, or to one’s property. To put it simply, you can’t sue me if something goes wrong. : )
Because of the wide range of different CNC machines, it is hard to create G-code that will fit all of them. This is probably the reason why it is so hard to find it on the web. To fill the gap, here are some simple G-code files so that the CNC newbie might have something to try out his or her machine with.
These files were all tested to make sure they worked correctly, but I can’t guarantee that I didn’t leave something out accidentally. I don’t know the limits of your machine, so be careful and practice cutting air first.
Use a router bit with a fairly small diameter for these files. (1/8″ or smaller for example.) These G-code files are set up so that the router bit will just barely graze the surface of what’s being cut. If your machine isn’t quite level, the depth of the cut may need to be adjusted to compensate. This cannot be done with the G-code files (at least not easily), but it can be done with the CamBam files below.
Click the image to download the G-code file.
CamBam files have the advantage that you can edit them before generating the G-code so that it will work better with your particular machine. Make sure you double check the settings I used because what might work perfectly fine on my CNC machine could cause problems on yours.
In case you didn’t know, CamBam is free if you only want to do 2.5D. It can be found here.
Note: When you open some of these files in CamBam you may have to click and drag over the screen to make the image visible. I’m not sure why this is and would fix it if I knew how.
Click the image to download the CamBam file.
Faces
Use a router bit with a fairly small diameter for these faces. (1/8″ for example.)
Gears
Here is an assortment of gears. The tutorial for making them can be found on the page . They should be all set for turning into G-code, but double check the settings of the 2.5D profiles to make sure they won’t cause problems for your machine.
I personally haven’t had the chance to cut some of these gears out, so be careful and practice cutting air first.
I already put a hole in the center of each of the gears, but if you want to delete it and put one of a different size, you can do it with CAMBAM.
The gears below are meant to be cut with a 1/8″ router bit from MDF 3/4″ thick. The gear on the left has a pitch radius of 1.5″ the gear in the middle has a pitch radius of 3″, and the gear on the right has a pitch radius of 6″. Please note that the pitch radius is actually smaller than the total radius of the gear, so the gears might end up bigger than you expected them to be. These three gears should all mesh with one another if need be.
Tutorial Gear
This is the gear made in the tutorial .
Miscellaneous gear
This is a spare gear file that I had laying around on my computer. It is set up to be cut out with a 1/4″ diameter router bit, but that can be changed in CamBam of course. The gear is about 8″ in diameter.
Worm Gear
Here is a worm gear that can be cut out with a CNC. The full page explaining exactly how to put it together is at this link How to Make a Single Turn Worm Gear with a CNC.
Gimbal
Here is a gimbal design that can be cut out with a CNC. The full page explaining how it is put together is at this link Gimbal Made with CNC
CNC Vacuum Attachment
Here is design that can be used for attaching a vacuum hose to your CNC machine. The link that shows you how to put it together is DIY Vacuum Attachment for CNC
Click the image to download the dxf file.
I am a “Genious”
Just to avoid any embarrassment on your part, that isn’t how you actually spell “genious.” Although, it probably would have been a lot funnier if I hadn’t told you that.
Note: Click the image to download the stl file.
Parabola
Here is a stl file of a parabola. More info on it and details for designing your own can be found on the page.
(Right Click, Save As)