Coverting JPEG to DXF or DWG without looking terrible?

[Roy Berger]

I need to import some logos into my machining program. The online converters to convert jpeg or PNG to DXF makes the logo almost worthless to use. There's so much distortion, it's taking me forever to clean up.

I need to convert to either DXF or DWG to use the logo. I'd like to avoid using a separate program to engrave the parts that I machine with the CNC mill.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Mark Sipes]

Are you using a Corel Draw program? Trace ? can you attached the jpg?

[Ross Moshinsky]

1. Garbage in. Garbage out. If the original file lacks clarity and detail, tracing is always going to be a huge challenge.
2. Inkscape I find to be one of the better vector tracers out there. It's not great with color logos but it does a good job with B&W.
3. You can always spend about $10-15 and outsource the work to someone. You'll typically get a final product back in less than 24 hours.

[Roy Berger]

Wow. I never even thought about outsourcing this. That would save a ton of headaches. I don't use a drawing program for anything. I draw everything in MasterCam.

[Roy Berger]

What exactly should I ask for? I mean, should I ask for DWG or DXF? Any advise for the best conversion-results?

[Lee DeRaud]

What exactly should I ask for? I mean, should I ask for DWG or DXF? Any advise for the best conversion-results?

I would think that the normal options for trace output would be SVG (Inkscape et al), CDR (CorelDraw), or AI (Illustrator), as these are the main apps for that sort of work. And that might be a problem in itself: conversion from these formats to DXF is not an exact science, depending on what program is reading the DXF at the other end of the process. (It isn't helped at all by the number of subtly different DXF versions that have existed over the years.)

Your use of the word "distortion" in your original post is eerily reminiscent of what I fought with for months trying to get a simple CorelDraw-to-gcode workflow. Mike Simpson pointed out that exporting from CorelDraw to EPS is a lot more dependable in terms of reimporting the result in typical CAD/CAM software (Vectrix Cut2D in my case).

[Gary Hair]

Get in touch with William at Excalibur, he will take great care of you. He can provide any type of file you need.

Gary

[Dan Hintz]

2. Inkscape I find to be one of the better vector tracers out there. It's not great with color logos but it does a good job with B&W.

Seconded...

[Mark Sipes]

DXF or PLT works great on my engraver. Ask for the format that will import direct into your software. out source is the best option..

[Roy Berger]

Thanks for all the replies folks. Is there an online graphics person that does this via email?

[Mark Sipes]

Try www RIPTAW com they should be able to help you.

[Gary Hair]

Thanks for all the replies folks. Is there an online graphics person that does this via email?

William Desrochers at excaliburcreations.com will work by email, in fact, I've never spoken to him it's all be email back and forth. You may find cheaper but you won't find better or more responsive.

[Mike Null]

I second William's work, promptness and prices. I've never met him either--everything by email.

[Jim Dawson]

Adobe illustrator cs6 has the best tracing engine I have seen. That being said, if the jpeg is low res , nothing will fix it.

[Dan Hintz]

Adobe illustrator cs6 has the best tracing engine I have seen.

Have you tried Inkscape?