Import Grid from CAD File Window

Overview

You can draw custom grids in 2D or 3D in AutoCAD (or equivalent) and then import them as a DXF file. Refer to our tutorials web page for instructions. Refer to the rules for importing a grid drawn in CAD.

A grid drawn in CAD may consist of entities including:

1. LINE

2. LWPOLYLINE

3. POLYLINE

4. CIRCLE

5. ARC

It is recommended that the lines are snap-connected (where necessary to match the intended design) otherwise an undesired grid discontinuity may occur.

Path

Path and size of DXF file to import are displayed. Click the file icon button to select a different file.

Drawing unit

The intended drawing units of the CAD file is required. The units which are set in the drawing file will be displayed otherwise (by default) the units will be assumed to be in metres (m). The drawing units will be read from file but can be changed in this window before importing the drawing (for example they had been set incorrectly in the drawing file).

To set the drawing units in AutoCAD type "SETTINGS" into the command line

Layers to import

Import entities from all layers or (only) selected layers. Multiple layers can be selected by holding Ctrl key.

Layer name - Layer names read from DXF file are displayed here.

Tag name - Specify tag names of layers. Layer names are used as default tag names.

Imported for - Layers can be imported for calculations or as background. which can also be changed in the main UI after the import.

Conductor type - Select conductor type for the layers which were defined under Design Settings. Conductor types are settable from the Design settings window.

Depth of conductors

You can import a CAD file which is drawn in 3D or 2D. SafeGrid needs the z depth for the lines being imported and whether to use the z co-ordinates in the file (if the grid was drawn in 3D) or to give all segments the same depth which you need to specify.

The Z co-ordinates may be inverted as required when importing as a 3D drawing.