Illustrator file to DXF corrupts file

Question

So we get files from customers who want us to use a big Fiber laser to cut out flat steel parts. These files they send us are often PDF or Illustrator files that we need to turn into DXF format so we can load them into a CAD program to send to the laser.

I have been unable to convert files to DXF without extreme corruption. If I open them in the CAD program the lines are no longer straight but curved.

If I open the saved DXF with illustrator again, the lines are broken or have artifacts on them where they are thicker than the 1 line point I chose.

Has anyone else had this experience and if so, have you found a solution?

Tilo284353179ipw · Answer

I had this just this week. If anyone else is looking for this problem.

Illustrator simply doesnt seem to be good at exporting and creating dxf files. It has a limitiation with how many informations about curves it can put in a file and when this limit is reached.. the file gets deformed and changed to fit in the limitiations. If you can manage to open the files in another software which is designed to export dxf for laser cutting and engraving, the created dxf files will have more information and can be used correct. Lightburn for example seems to be prepared for this situation and also accepts ai. files.

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