Maxsurf includes support for IGES and DXF files, the two most commonly used interchange formats for computer-generated drawings. These files are the most effective way of transferring lines drawings to a CAD system for further drafting work.
Two-dimensional output is always in the z=0 plane. The positive y-axis corresponds to the upward vertical screen axis and the positive x-axis to the right-hand-side horizontal screen axis.
DXF (Drawing Exchange File) was originated by AutoCAD and is supported by almost all CAD systems on most platforms.
IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Standard) is a widely supported by CAD systems on all types of computers and is published by the US Dept of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards. IGES is widely supported by workstation and mainframe based CAD systems.
These files are the most accurate way to transfer lines drawings from Maxsurf to a CAD system with data accurate to 5 decimal digits.
Note:
Maxsurf designs exported in this way are at the current Maxsurf precision. For best quality, set the Maxsurf precision to High or Highest before writing the file.
When you choose Export from the File menu, with a drawing window frontmost, Maxsurf will present you with the export dialog, allowing you to choose whether you wish to save DXF or IGES format data. If you choose either of these options and click OK, Maxsurf will ask you for the name of the file and allow you to save it to disk. This file will contain the DXF or IGES format data, which can then be read into your CAD system (e.g. using the DXFIN command in AutoCAD). Use the 2D option in the Export dialog to copy drawings in this way.
Note:
Many programs (such as AutoCAD) require a file extension for both DXF and IGES files. File names should have either the .DXF or .IGS extension appended to them.
Maxsurf supports the DXF format and is compatible backwards to release 10. It supports the Line and Polyline entities. Each contour from Maxsurf will be saved as a polyline in the DXF file.
Maxsurf supports IGES, version 4.0. It supports IGES entity number 106, the copious data entity. Each contour from Maxsurf is saved as a linear path of copious data, with x, y and z coordinates.