How to export my file from AutoCAD?

You can export either a 2D .dxf format file or a 3D .step or .stp format file from AutoCAD.

Exporting a 3D STEP/STP file from AutoCAD

You can save your design as a STEP/STP file in AutoCAD if desired. Take a look at our STEP/STP file requirements before exporting your file!

Exporting a 2D DXF file from AutoCAD

To export the flat, primary face of your part to a DXF from AutoCAD, right click on the face you’d like to export & halfway down you will see the “export face as…” option.  You can then save the 2D face as a DXF.

DXF Export Tips

If bends are needed for your design, please mark the center of each bend with a dashed line (not a hidden line).

In your export options, please be sure to select Export splines as splines. If the option is set for polylines, arcs and circles will export as segmented shapes instead of smooth curves.

For general preflight, the free, open source program QCAD is great for checking 2D files. If you end up liking it, we have guidance on reviewing designs in QCAD here: How To Preflight Your Designs Using QCAD

Upload your file!

After exporting, you can upload your file to our website and check the part preview to verify that the overall dimensions are correct. All files need to be at 1:1 scaling in either millimeters or inch units, with no intersecting or duplicate paths. We have more information about our design requirements here: SendCutSend Design Guidelines

In Summary

How do I export my file from AutoCAD?

To export the flat, primary face of your part to a DXF from AutoCAD, right click on the face you’d like to export & halfway down you will see the “export face as…” option.  You can then save the 2D face as a DXF. If bends are needed for your design, please mark the center of each bend with a dashed line (not a hidden line).

In your export options, please be sure to select Export splines as splines. If the option is set for polylines, arcs and circles will export as segmented shapes instead of smooth curves.

You can also save your design as a STEP/STP file in AutoCAD if desired. Take a look at our STEP/STP file requirements here!

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We proudly use hardware by PEM

Flush Standoff, 4-40, .250" Zinc plus Clear Chromate

Aluminum: 5052, 6061, 7075 Steel: Mild, G30

SKUSO-440-8
Thread Size4-40 x .250″
Hole size in sheet (+0.003/-.0.000).168″
Minimum sheet thickness0.040″
Maximum sheet thickness.125″
Fastener materialSteel
Minimum distance hole C/L to edge0.230″
When determining the distance between two or more fasteners, you can calculate the distance by the formula, C/L to edge + 1/2 the diameter of the second mounting hole..345″
Recommended panel materialSteel/Aluminum
Coating typeZinc
Length.250″
Aluminum material ranges (5052, 6061, 7075)0.040″-0.125″
Steel material ranges (CRS, HRPO, HR)0.048″-0.119″

We proudly use hardware by PEM

Flush Standoff, 4-40, .250" Passivated

Stainless Steel: 304, 316

SKUSO4-440-8
Thread Size440
Hole size in sheet (+0.003/-.0.000).166″
Minimum sheet thickness0.04″
Maximum sheet thickness.125″
Fastener material400 Stainless Steel
Minimum distance hole C/L to edge0.230″
When determining the distance between two or more fasteners, you can calculate the distance by the formula, C/L to edge + 1/2 the diameter of the second mounting hole. Example shown with x2 of the same hardware..313″
Recommended panel materialStainless Steel
Coating typePassivated
Length.250″
304 Stainless Steel material ranges0.048″-0.125″
316 Stainless Steel material ranges0.060″-0.125″