Export data and cutting results

Data export versus result export

Exporting input records transfers your piece or stock data. Exporting a result transfers the calculated output. The Text plugin's result dialog lets you include pieces, waste, cuts and statistics; at least one category must be selected.

In the main window, use File → Export. Select the output type and destination filename.
For tabular output, select pieces, stock or both, then confirm. Select at least one category.
Open the saved file in the receiving application. Compare record counts, quantities and dimensions with the input lists.
Calculated layouts use the separate export action in the Results menu.

TonCut screenshot: Data export versus result export — Data export versus result export

Export through an installed plugin

Available exports depend on the installed and enabled plugins. These can include DXF, HPGL/PLT and outputs for specific devices. Match any machine-specific settings to the actual receiving device.

After calculation stops, select the result. Open Export from the Results menu or toolbar.
In the export dialog, select the installed output plugin. If you open its settings, finish there and close that window before returning to the export list.
To export one layout, select its unsaved row and click Save cutting. To export the whole result, click Save all.
Save cutting requires exactly one selected layout that is not already marked saved. The settings below belong to the selected exporter.
Choose the destination file or folder. Complete and confirm the exporter’s options dialog if it appears.
Check the Saved marks in the export list. Resolve any write failure before continuing.
The example in the screenshot uses the Text plugin.
Open the files in the receiving application. Compare dimensions, counts and identifiers with the selected TonCut result. Also check that names and descriptions are complete and every character is correct.
A Saved mark does not verify how the receiving application interprets the file.

To export a layout already marked saved, select its row and right-click it. In the status submenu, mark it not saved. Click Save cutting and choose a different filename for the trial. Changing the marker does not delete the existing file or recalculate the plan.

Batch result export

Open result export, select Text and click Save all. Choose the destination, select the categories in the batch dialog, and confirm. Open the generated files and compare their totals with the result summaries.

The Text plugin's batch dialog can export stock, piece, edge-band and material usage summaries, combined output and individual cuttings. Piece, waste, cut and statistics sub-options are enabled when individual cuttings are selected. Select at least one output category. The resulting category selection is part of the export definition; it is not a change to the calculated job.

DXF: geometry, units and annotation

The following choices belong to the DXF exporter’s options window. Open result export, select DXF and start saving the chosen layouts. Choose the destination file or folder; the DXF options then open. Choose what the receiving CAD application needs to see. These choices change the exported drawing; they do not recalculate the cutting plan.

The option to include sheet edges applies only to cutting-line export. Enable it when the recipient needs the outside sheet boundary as a reference, and check that these extra lines are wanted.

Cutting lines: exports the cuts in the selected layout. Useful for reviewing where cuts run across the material. This is a different view from the complete outline of each piece.
Pieces with waste: exports piece outlines together with the outlines of waste areas in the result. Useful for checking where pieces and remaining material lie. Waste here is not limited to reusable offcuts.
Pieces only: exports piece outlines without waste outlines. Useful when the recipient needs a drawing of the parts. Pieces retain their positions in the layout; this choice does not create a separate file for each piece.

DXF: set the scale and descriptions

Set the output unit explicitly: millimetres, centimetres, metres, inches, feet or yards. Use the same unit when opening or importing the file in CAD, then compare one piece’s dimensions with the same piece in the selected TonCut layout. A drawing that looks correct on screen can still have the wrong scale.

Enable the description layer when the recipient needs text to identify pieces. Its layer name, identifier text size, description text size and printing option become available when it is enabled. Leave it off when only geometry is needed.
With the description layer enabled, piece text follows TonCut's piece-identification setting and the identifiers and descriptions entered for the pieces. Check that setting and the piece data if expected text is missing. With cutting lines or pieces with waste, waste identifiers are also included where available.
Identifier and description text sizes are separate and are specified in millimetres. Check small pieces and long descriptions for overlapping or unreadable text in CAD.
The printing option specifies whether the description layer should appear in printed output. It does not remove text from the file or change the cutting geometry. Check the receiving application's print preview if the drawing will be printed.

DXF: export one layout or the whole result

Exporting one layout saves a DXF file at the chosen location. Exporting all layouts asks for a folder and creates a numbered DXF file for each layout, using the same export choices. The files represent layouts, not separate files for every piece or physical copy of a sheet.

Select the result and open Export from the Results menu. Choose DXF, select one representative layout and click Save cutting. Choose the destination file.
Choose Export cut lines, Export pieces and waste or Export pieces only. Set units, available sheet-edge options and the description layer.
Confirm the DXF options to save the file, then open it in the receiving CAD application.
Measure one piece in CAD and compare it with the same piece in the selected TonCut layout.
Check orientation, placement, required pieces, waste areas and sheet edges.
Check that long identifiers and descriptions are readable and do not overlap, especially on small pieces. If text is unreadable or overlaps, adjust the export settings and test another file.
After a successful trial, export the required layouts to a dedicated folder. Compare files with the layout list and required repetitions.

The dialog summarises cut count, total cut length, unused material and head-travel length for the exported scope. Use this overview alongside the drawing checks.
A DXF drawing still needs checking and preparation in the receiving CAD or machine software before production. Exporting cutting lines does not by itself provide a verified machine program.

HPGL and PLT: speed, edges and scale

Both output dialogs provide cutting speed and an option to include sheet edges. The speed value is written to the output as a device speed command; use the value required by the receiving device rather than assuming the control is a universal feed-rate unit. PLT additionally offers resolution in DPI, which determines the coordinate scale.

Match PLT resolution to the receiving system. A mismatch changes the physical size of the drawing.
Including edges adds the sheet boundary to the output, so check whether the recipient needs those lines.
Check cut count, cutting length, unused material and head-travel length in the summary, then verify the generated file in the receiving software.

Mach3: motion settings and output blocks

The Mach3 dialog separates cutting speed from lowering speed and provides a tool field. Use values and a tool designation appropriate to the receiving Mach3 setup. The safety-margin field is in millimetres; excluding margins is a separate checkbox.

Maximum block length and maximum block width each have their own enabling checkbox and dimension field in millimetres. They control output subdivision, not the dimensions of your required pieces.
Check both enabled limits when preparing output for a restricted working area.
After changing motion, tool, margin or block settings, inspect the generated output with the machine’s normal verification process before production. The manual does not prescribe machine-independent speed or clearance values.

Schneider NUM 1020: cutting and grinding

Choose output with or without grinding, then review the table safety margin, grinding safety margin and blade-width setting. The margin and width fields are expressed in millimetres. Keep these output settings consistent with the machine and the intended operation.

The Polish label “Prędkość tarczy” can be misleading: this setting controls movement feed, not spindle revolutions per minute. Use the feed required by the receiving machine.
Check the grinding choice as well as the grinding clearance; changing one does not substitute for checking the other.
Validate a representative output using the receiving controller’s usual process before issuing the job.

ITM, Bottero 352-BCS and Streamsoft Prestiż

ITM and Bottero 352-BCS offer batch cutting-file output. Select the appropriate installed exporter and destination file for the calculated job. These exporters have no separate configuration dialog. Streamsoft Prestiż exports a batch result file; select it for that receiving workflow and check the transferred totals and identifiers there. A missing configuration button does not by itself mean the plugin failed to load.

ITM and Bottero 352-BCS support 2D sheet material; Streamsoft Prestiż supports 1D linear material.