How to convert PLT to DXF?

[cralls]

We have a Gerber Sabre 408 with Omega 6.5 suite. We have a lot of PLT files that we need to make editable but I'm new to this so I'm not sure how to go about that. I've tried some online converters but they don't work. I was able to convert them to RTP and RTF but I can't get those to DXF either. Any tips on how to get to DXF? Thanks in advance!

 

[James Burke]

File > Export > DXF - AutoCAD Drawing Interchange File Format. Please note that you will be given the option to export the item you select, or the entire file.

The GSP option for .dxf didn't seem to work as well, but it's been so long I don't recall why.
We do a lot of .dxf converting for special vector editing in AutoCAD, and for waterjet cutting.


JB

 

[cralls]

James Burke Thank you for the response! Some more context, we actually sold the Sabre 408 and kept all the files. We sold the table with the computer that had the licensed software on it. I downloaded and installed the software but it only runs in Demo mode. Is there a way to buy another license or another way to convert the files perhaps? They are critical to our business. I probably have over 100 files to convert.

 

[James Burke]

James Burke Thank you for the response! Some more context, we actually sold the Sabre 408 and kept all the files. We sold the table with the computer that had the licensed software on it. I downloaded and installed the software but it only runs in Demo mode. Is there a way to buy another license or another way to convert the files perhaps? They are critical to our business. I probably have over 100 files to convert.

Depends on how much the files are worth...either purchase a copy of Omega LS (Layout Station), or hire someone to convert them you. Message me if you need help converting them.

JB

 

[Rhyno]

I’ve had a similar issue before, and what worked for me was using Inkscape. It’s free and pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. I imported the PLT files, made any adjustments they needed, and then saved them as DXF. It’s not always a perfect conversion, so you might have to clean things up a bit, but it’s been a solid workaround for me.

 

[JBurton]

If you have corel, they should import alright. Fair warning, .plt files tend to not have any curves in them, or at least corel would always convert plt files to all straight lines when importing, haven't dealt with any plt files in a few years though.

 

[Krissy Louderback]

You can buy a copy of Omega that is design only, it costs less than the full version.
If you have an immediate need you can email me and i will convert it for you.
krissy@designasignpsl.com

 

[cralls]

Krissy Louderback thank you! I am currently going through my files to see what I actually need, there are 285 PLT files but lots of duplicates in there and older files that aren't relevant. I also got contact info for the gentleman who purchased our Sabre 408 so I may be able to borrow the license dongle from him. Will keep you posted but thank you so much for the help. What a great community this is.

 

[Joe House]

Gerber .plt files are different than generic .plt files and you will probably get mixed results if you get any results using anything other than Gerber software to do the conversion. Gerber used to give out, or sell at reduced prices, layout stations with upgrades as an incentive to upgrade software. You might be able to find a new in box layout station from someone who got the software for free and didn't use it.

Good Luck

 

[netsol]

garrett fromme from IDC woodcraft made a video that i watched a few days ago
point was, when you convert a plt file (which may have only a dozen or so nodes) to dxf, the dxf may have THOUSANDS OF NODES.
obviously dxf is not the ideal vehicle to import your artwork, rendering times are absurdly long...
the dxf renders your art by connecting STRAIGHT LINES with many more nodes
there is a tool in vectic or aspire to correct this and convert to bezier curves (requiring a bit of user input to fine tune the file.)

i will try to find the video and post a link for whoever is interested

 

[netsol]

garrett is a mechanical engineer with a cnc (metal working) background

from time to time we wander into the area where he is like the oracle of delphi

 

[JBurton]

the dxf renders your art by connecting STRAIGHT LINES with many more nodes

He really doesn't describe dxf files accurately, they absolutely can have curves, you just need basically CAD level software to produce the files. Here's a dxf file of a circle, renamed as a pdf so I can upload it. Also, here is the same file as a plt file. Import both into what have you and see what you get.

 

[netsol]

i realize that.
HOWEVER, i have seen the situation he describes. i am not experienced enough to be sure if it is primarily a bug that rears it's ugly head in vectric or a problem with one of the other sofwares used to export to dxf. i thought it was worth passing on.

 

[netsol]

more likely to occur with client supplied dxf, where we have no idea how it became a dxf

 

[netsol]

it reminded me of the days, not long after adobe bought photoshop from aldus. (installation media was (2) 1.44 floppies)
we bought STREAMLINE from adobe. it was a godsend to have it, even though every file started out looking like what garrett shows in the video