DXF FileProcessing
Advanced parsing and intelligent part identification
Our sophisticated DXF parser handles all standard AutoCAD entities, ensuring compatibility with files from any CAD software. Combined with intelligent part identification and classification algorithms, Sheet2Nest automatically detects, categorizes, and optimizes parts for maximum nesting efficiency.
ProcessingPipeline
From DXF file to classified parts ready for nesting
Parse DXF Entities
Extract all geometric entities from the DXF file
Reads LWPOLYLINE, POLYLINE, CIRCLE, ELLIPSE, ARC, SPLINE, and LINE entities. Preserves layer information and entity properties.
Build Contours
Convert entities into continuous geometric contours
Connects related entities to form closed or open paths. Handles complex nested geometries and multi-segment shapes.
Detect Closed Shapes
Identify closed contours that represent parts
Uses geometric algorithms to detect closed loops. Auto-closes open paths when appropriate. Validates shape integrity.
Classify Shapes
Distinguish between outer contours and holes
Uses containment algorithms to identify which shapes are holes within larger parts. Sorts by area and applies geometric containment tests.
Identify Part Types
Classify parts by geometric properties
Analyzes shape characteristics to categorize parts: circles, squares, rectangles, long strips, and irregular shapes.
Assign Rotations
Determine allowed rotation angles for nesting
Based on part classification, assigns optimal rotation angles (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to maximize nesting efficiency.
Parse DXF Entities
Extract all geometric entities from the DXF file
Reads LWPOLYLINE, POLYLINE, CIRCLE, ELLIPSE, ARC, SPLINE, and LINE entities. Preserves layer information and entity properties.
Detect Closed Shapes
Identify closed contours that represent parts
Uses geometric algorithms to detect closed loops. Auto-closes open paths when appropriate. Validates shape integrity.
Identify Part Types
Classify parts by geometric properties
Analyzes shape characteristics to categorize parts: circles, squares, rectangles, long strips, and irregular shapes.
Build Contours
Convert entities into continuous geometric contours
Connects related entities to form closed or open paths. Handles complex nested geometries and multi-segment shapes.
Classify Shapes
Distinguish between outer contours and holes
Uses containment algorithms to identify which shapes are holes within larger parts. Sorts by area and applies geometric containment tests.
Assign Rotations
Determine allowed rotation angles for nesting
Based on part classification, assigns optimal rotation angles (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to maximize nesting efficiency.
Intelligent PartClassification
Our advanced algorithms automatically identify and classify parts using geometric analysis
Circle
Perfect circles and near-circular shapes
CRITERIA:
Aspect ratio < 1.2, ≥16 vertices for polylines
ROTATIONS:
EXAMPLES:
Round plates, washers, discs
Square
Perfect squares with equal sides
CRITERIA:
4 vertices, area ratio 0.60-1.10, equal width/height
ROTATIONS:
EXAMPLES:
Square brackets, plates, frames
Rectangle
Rectangular shapes with different width/height
CRITERIA:
4 vertices, area ratio 0.60-1.10, rectangular bounding box
ROTATIONS:
EXAMPLES:
Panels, sheets, rectangular parts
Long Strip
Narrow, elongated parts
CRITERIA:
Aspect ratio ≥ 4:1, convex shape
ROTATIONS:
EXAMPLES:
Beams, strips, rails
Convex Irregular
Complex convex shapes without indentations
CRITERIA:
Concavity ratio ≤ 0.02, irregular outline
ROTATIONS:
EXAMPLES:
Custom brackets, irregular panels
Concave Irregular
Shapes with indentations or L-shapes
CRITERIA:
Concavity ratio > 0.02, contains indentations
ROTATIONS:
EXAMPLES:
L-brackets, U-channels, complex cutouts
Hybrid
Parts with both convex and concave regions
CRITERIA:
Mixed geometric characteristics
ROTATIONS:
EXAMPLES:
Complex brackets, multi-feature parts
Classification Priority Order
Validation
Invalid parts are rejected
Circle Detection
Rotations: 0° only
Long Strip Detection
Rotations: 0°, 90°
Rectangle/Square Detection
Rotations: 0° (square) or 0°, 90° (rectangle)
Concavity Analysis
Rotations: 0°, 90° (concave) or 8 angles (convex)
Hybrid Classification
Rotations: 0°, 90°
Parts are evaluated in this sequence, stopping at the first match to determine classification and allowed rotations
How PartIdentification Works
Deep dive into the algorithms and techniques we use
Geometric Containment Algorithm
Our system uses a robust geometric containment algorithm to distinguish between outer contours and holes. The process involves:
Normalization: All contours are normalized to ensure consistent geometric representation
Area Sorting: Contours are sorted by absolute area (largest first)
Containment Testing: For each larger contour, we test which smaller contours are contained within it
Hole Assignment: Contained shapes are assigned as holes to their parent parts
Net Area Calculation: Final part area = outer area - sum of hole areas
Classification Priority System
Parts are classified using a strict priority order. The system evaluates parts in this sequence, stopping at the first match:
Key Measurements & Calculations
Aspect Ratio
max(width, height) / min(width, height)
Used to identify long strips and near-circular shapes
Area Ratio
actual area / bounding box area
Determines how well a shape fills its bounding box
Concavity Ratio
measures indentations and L-shapes
Calculates deviation from convex hull
Vertex Count
number of points defining the shape
Critical for rectangle and circle detection
Convex Hull
smallest convex shape containing the part
Used for concavity and area ratio calculations
Self-Intersection
detects invalid geometries
Validates polygon integrity before classification
Supported DXFEntity Types
Full compatibility with standard AutoCAD entities
LWPOLYLINE
POLYLINE
CIRCLE
ELLIPSE
ARC
SPLINE
LINE
POINT
RelatedFeatures
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DXF File Processing
Supports LWPOLYLINE, POLYLINE, CIRCLE, ELLIPSE, ARC, SPLINE, and LINE entities. Parse complex DXF files with ease.
Automatic Part Detection
Intelligently detects and assigns holes to parent parts using advanced containment algorithms.
Advanced Nesting Algorithms
Fast mode for quick results or optimized mode with time-boxed parallel processing for maximum efficiency.
Smart Placement
Bottom-left and NFP-based placement with 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° rotation support for optimal layouts.
Pattern Replication
Automatically replicates high-utilization patterns across multiple sheets, reducing computation time.
Export Options
Multiple export formats: DXF (individual parts, all sheets, per-sheet), SVG vector graphics, and PDF reports.
PDF Reports
Generate professional PDF reports with comprehensive statistics, sheet layouts, and part details. Three comprehensive sections for complete documentation.
Progress Dashboard
Monitor nesting computation with live metrics, performance charts, and detailed statistics.