2D Design: Fixing Imported Vectors

Brad Castle

07 April 2025 13:55

Fixing Imported Vector Artwork in Carveco Maker

When importing DXF, EPS, or other vector files into Carveco Maker, you may encounter artwork issues that need cleaning up before machining. This tutorial guides you through identifying and correcting common vector problems such as duplicate lines, vector loops, and intersections using Carveco’s built-in tools.

🔹 Identifying Problems Using the Vector Doctor

Select all vectors and open the Vector Doctor.
Turn off Coincident Points (typically not required).
Enable Vector Intersections and click Identify to highlight issues.

🔹 Understanding Marker Colors

Green Circles: Duplicate vectors—identical shapes stacked over one another.
Red Circles: Vector intersections or loops—caused by misplaced or excess nodes.

🔹 Fixing Duplicate Vectors

Use Select Duplicates in the Vector Doctor tool.
Press Delete to remove overlapping geometry.
If duplicates aren’t selected due to tight tolerances, delete stacked vectors manually.

🔹 Fixing Vector Loops

Use the Remove Vector Loops feature to auto-repair common issues.
For manual fixes, enter Node Editing, cut and delete unwanted spans, and rejoin with a line or curve.

🔹 Handling Hidden Duplicate Lines

Go into Node Editing.
Drag a node—if another line remains, it’s a duplicate.
Cut, delete, and rejoin to clean up geometry.

🔹 Final Check

After resolving all markers, re-run Identify in Vector Doctor.
Attempt your toolpath operation again—Area Clearance or otherwise should now calculate correctly.

✔️ Hints, Tips & Tricks

Zoom out before running Vector Doctor to spot error clusters quickly.
Use the middle mouse button to refocus if editing text or nodes becomes unresponsive.
Press N to enter Node Editing and C to cut at a selected point.
Use Select Duplicates to save time when cleaning up imported artwork.

🚀 Advanced Techniques

For complex shapes, manually cutting and rejoining vectors may be more accurate than auto-fix.
Use Preserve Layers during import to keep files organized for easier cleanup.
After trimming, use Join Vectors with a small tolerance (e.g., 0.001") to reconnect shapes.
If cutting fails, try pressing C repeatedly to separate stacked nodes.

🛠️ Troubleshooting

Problem: Toolpath fails to calculate
Solution: Check for vector intersections and duplicates using Vector Doctor.
Problem: Can’t cut a vector at a node
Solution: Slightly move the node before attempting to cut.
Problem: Green markers persist after deleting
Solution: Widen duplicate detection tolerance or delete manually.
Problem: Vector size doesn’t match model
Solution: Use File > Open instead of import to auto-scale.