Inkscape to sheetcam error

Images (eg simple rectangle) created w/in inkscape correctly transfer to sheetcam for post processing . However when I import a scanned image (eg a bracket) and resize it with Inkscape when it is imported into sheetcam the image size increases 10 fold? Both programs are updated to the newest versions. Never had this issue before using these programs for years.

Possibly a metric to standard difference?

Doesn’t seem to be the issue although Inkscape often changes b/w pixels, metric + standard for no reason. Just tried a different method of trace bitmap scan in order to eliminate the backgrd and my 4.5 “x 3.25 “ bracket became 30”x43” in sheetcam? no clue

Was just the first thought when you 10 fold I assumed a guess. It would be a 25.4 difference if so…

I have no other idea sorry. I seldom use inkscape.

@TPMartin , Inkscape and Sheetcam have a history of scale translation weirdness at times. Read this post and thread to see if it relates to your workflow or possible insights.

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I suspect you are correct - went back and tried to reload an Inscape file (in DXF format) that I previously sent too sheetcam and cut w/ FireControl successfully -it does the same thing - inc size by about 10-fold. Time to find another CAD program. I did not like Fusion 360 since most of my cutting is geared toward imported images or self-scanned images of parts (like brackets, mounting plates) to make repairs on my equipment. Fusion 360 is too focused on 3-D. Any suggestions?

I like Lightburn lightburnsoftware.com . Get the least expensive license since you’re not going to use it for laser CNC control. LB is CAD/CAM and gcode sender (aka Firecontrol to you) for laser CNCs. But it’s also just 2D CAD for any CAM process you want, export your drawings as DXF.

I found it very intuitive UI and got the hang of it rather quickly. It has a 30 day trial fully functional.

For more functional (more power) 3D CAD for the purpose of sheet metal modeling, I like OnShape Onshape . It functionally rivals [con]Fusion, but I find OnShape to be, again, more intuitive for a 3D CAD. I only use it for sheet metal modeling. It’s free to use as long as you don’t mind your drawings (aka intellectual property) being stored in the public domain for anyone to see and use. If you mind, then you have to pay them for private storage and it ain’t cheap. When doing 3D modeling for sheet metal, it has the unfolding features just like Fusion, but unlike Fusion, I find it is easier to make changes to the unfolded drawing and it makes pdf engineering drawings very easily with dimensions which I find helpful in the shop, especially if bending sheet metal.
One of the things I like to add to the unfolded dxf while in OnShape are stitch cuts along the bend/brake line, this makes it easier to make the bends and structural integrity can be restored if need be with an easy weld after the bend.

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I like the advice to get Lightburn for its features rather than driving a laser. It has, IMO, the BEST image trace capability of any 2D program I’ve seen. It will export, in reliable SVG format, the tracing or any other ‘fixed’, corrected, joined 2D Vectors. It offers smoothing that fixes the BILLION segment problem of exported DXF curved vectors and a host of other features. And, oh yeah, it’s the best Laser driver around. :slightly_smiling_face:

PS: I USE THIS ALL THE TIME! On ALL of my systems! :beers:

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Why send a DXF from Inkscape? Its native format is SVG and Sheetcam works well with SVG files.

Converting drawings to DXF in Inkscape has always been an issue. Not so much with sizing, but with lines and curves that are not connected after the conversion.

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