2.4 Output DXF

After the sensor has been successfully rendered, it must be exported into a DXF format file that can be imported by the PCB CAD tool. The recommended method to generate the DXF file output is to select File > Export > Export DXF from the OpenSCAD menu. After export, the last step is to import the DXF into the PCB CAD tool and convert to copper regions. Section 7 describes this process.

(Optional) Creating DXF output from command line:

DXF outputs can also be created using the provided batch files from a command line interface. Although not required, these batch files automate the output process and also allow the user to generate individual DXF output files for each sensor element if needed when importing into some PCB CAD design tools.

The following example uses the command line interface to create a single sensor element and generate a DXF output.

openscad.exe -o wheel_element_1.dxf -D "element=1" wheel.scad

The syntax for the command line is:

• DXF output filename = -o wheel_element_1.dxf
• String constant parameter specifies which element = -D "element=1"
• Script to execute = wheel.scad

Generate a DXF output file for the entire sensor, change the -D parameter to "element=99".

openscad.exe -o wheel_all_elements.dxf -D "element=99" wheel.scad

For more information about executing OpenSCAD and its options from the command line, refer to the OpenSCAD documentation.