DXF post processor parameters (StairDesigner)
StairDesigner includes a large range of post processors. These are highly configurable and work with virtually any CNC machine.
We focus here on the industry standard DXF post processor settings, offering layered DXF output accepted by almost all CAM software solutions and facilitating automatic toolpath applications.
In addition, StairDesigner offers native file output to popular brands including Homag, Biesse, SCM/Morbidelli, Felder, Vitap and Holzher machines among others. These share many of the parameters we cover below. In general however, and although available in the post processor, the CNC software will often apply the correct toolpaths and other settings itself.
More information:
StairDesigner CNC integration overview
We also offer post processor support packs if you need help with the setup.
Main parameters
The DXF post processor outputs DXF files for all selected components. Using the configurable layer setup, these part by part files can be processed by the CNC CAM software and the required tool configuration and toolpath applied.
Default folder
Select a destination folder for the output files from the post processor.
A specific folder relating to your file organisation can be chosen.
Parts to be exported
Here, you can define which elements will be exported and which will be discarded.
Depending on your manufacturing organisation, you might want different outputs for different parts. This can be achieved by duplicating the post processor and setting the parameters accordingly.
Decimal symbol
Standard set on point.
Depending on the software, another decimal separator might be needed for the layer coding, e.g. Masterwood requires P as a decimal separator.
Extruded DXF
If set to yes, the 2D DXF will be extruded to a 3D DXF.
Extrusion is a process in which a 2D shape or profile is extended or “pushed” along a third dimension to create a 3D object.
Panel origin
Defines the origin as the panel’s top on Z0 (0) or the bottom (Thickness).
Use LWPOLYLINE
The difference between a polyline and a lightweight polyline (LWPolyline) primarily relates to their data structure and memory usage in CAD programs.
Polylines can handle more complex 3D data, while LWPolylines are optimised for 2D operations with less memory consumption.
By default, this parameter is set to No.
Recurring parameters
Base Panel
The base panel encloses the component, and some CAM software relies on it to determine the part size.
Other parameters such as orientation, layer names (+ variables), colour and line type can be defined according to the required output format.
The DXF entity contains the layer name, which can be configured with additional variables if needed.
Outline
Here are the same parameters as on the base panel, but the outline is the line following the trough shape of the part inside the base panel. This is the line used to machine the part.
Profiling
Geometric union of outline 1 and 2. This is the smallest shape including both outlines.
Outline 1 and Outline 2
Refers to the inside and outside face of the part. For example, a mitre cut will create a different outside outline in relation to the inside outline.
The DXF drawing of a cut stringer (below) shows the yellow line as Outline 2 and the red line as Outline 1. The blue frame is the base panel.
In this second drawing, you can see the profile, which is shown in black and is the geometric union of these two outlines:
Groove lengthening
A lengthening value is added to the groove to machine through the side, compensating for the tool radius.
In the image below the groove in green has been extended for machining.
Angle
By default, all parts are exported horizontally. In the case of a vertical CNC (long Y-axis), an export angle can be added to export the parts in the correct axis.
Component parameters
Step parameters
Upper face export
You can choose between “always” and “if necessary”.
It is set to “if necessary” by default, as there might be upper-face machining requirements for a groove.
If machining is required on both sides, a DXF file will be generated for each face.
Base panel
See recurring parameters
Outline
See recurring parameters
Front nose and Back nose
A polyline is positioned to allow specific machining or finishing on the front and back of steps.
Upper side riser groove
Creates a closed polyline representing the penetration groove created in the step (bottom) in relation to the top of the riser.
Bottom side riser groove
Creates a closed polyline representing the penetration groove created in the step (top face) in relation to the bottom of the riser.
Tenon
Using upper or lower recess, a closed polyline will be created, referring to a tenon operation. Using both results in a DXF file per face.
Newel post
When a newel is applied on top of the step, a closed polyline is generated, referring to the newel post position and eventual penetration values.
Banister mortise
Same as the newel application but now related to the banister position on top of the step.
Groove lengthening
See recurring parameters
Angle
See recurring parameters
Riser parameters
Base panel
See recurring parameters
Outline
See recurring parameters
Front side and Rear Side
A closed polyline defining the front and back of a riser that can vary depending on the winding coefficient of the part.
Groove
Generates a closed polyline when using the step penetration parameter with the priority to riser set to yes.
Groove lengthening
See recurring parameters
Angle
See recurring parameters
Stringboard parameters
Base panel
See recurring parameters
Profiling
See recurring parameters
Outline 1 and Outline 2
See recurring parameters
Step notches
Closed polyline to represent the penetration or position of the step in the stringboard.
Riser straight notches
Closed polyline to represent the penetration or position of the riser in the stringboard.
Banister mortise
Closed polyline to represent the penetration or position of the banister on the stringboard edge.
Newel post side
Generates a polyline to represent the position of the newel post on the stringboard extremities.
Group step and riser notches
If set to yes, the riser and step notches will be merged to become one single closed polyline on the entire stringboard.
Angle
See recurring parameters
Lateral cut string parameters
Base panel
See recurring parameters
Profiling
See recurring parameters
Outline 1 and Outline 2
See recurring parameters
Newel post side
Generates a polyline to represent the position of the newel post on the stringboard extremities.
Angle
See recurring parameters
Central cut string parameters
Central cut string (sides)
Closed polyline representing the inside (Outline 1) and outside (Outline 2) face of the central cut string.
Central cut string (top/bottom)
When using the boxed or spreadable bottom cut string, the top and/or bottom face will also be exported as a closed polyline.
Angle
See recurring parameters
Soffit parameters
The soffit is the visible sloping under-surface between the stair strings.
When used, the DXF files for the inner (Outline 1) and outer (Outline 2) faces will be generated.
Angle
See recurring parameters
Handrail parameters
Base panel
See recurring parameters
Profiling
See recurring parameters
Outline 1 and Outline 2
See recurring parameters
Banister mortise
Closed polyline to represent the penetration or position of the banister on the handrail edge.
Newel post side
Generates a polyline to represent the position of the newel post on the handrail extremities.
Angle
See recurring parameters
Banister parameters
Base panel
See recurring parameters
Outline
See recurring parameters
Handrail side
Generates a polyline to represent the position of the handrail on the banister’s top side.
Stringboard side
Generates a polyline to represent the position of the handrail on the banister’s bottom side.
Step side
Generates a polyline to represent the position of the handrail on the banister’s bottom side.
Angle
See recurring parameters
Newel post parameters
Base panel
See recurring parameters
Outline
See recurring parameters
Step notches
Closed polyline to represent the penetration or position of the step in the newel post.
Riser straight notches
Closed polyline to represent the penetration or position of the riser in the newel post.
Stringboard mortise
Closed polyline to represent the mortise in the newel that connects with the corresponding tenon in the stringboard.
Cut string mortise
Closed polyline to represent the mortise in the newel that connects with the corresponding tenon in the cut string.
Handrail mortise
Closed polyline to represent the mortise in the newel that connects with the corresponding tenon in the handrail.
Angle
See recurring parameters
Division of stringboards, cut strings and handrails parameters
If set to yes, you can define a maximum length for the different elements as an overlap value.
This is mainly used for parts that need to be processed in more than one step due to the restricted working area of a CNC.
Tooling setup parameters
Initial circle
Some software requires a starting point. This can be represented here by a circle.
Additional milling line
An extra machining line is added to the centre of the riser and step notches for the stringboard. This allows for extra specific machining if required.