DWG file

[Weecutz]

Hey everyone, can someone tell me...

I have Photoshop and Illustrator and NEED to make a DWG or AI file of a building structure design in order to have it laser cut, although the design is kinda simple and repetitive there are ALOT of windows and stuff...

Basically wondering if someone would know, can I make a DWG file by using the selective tool in Photoshop (e.g. select the structure but not the windows), then convert that selection to a clipping path, save it with clipping path enabled.. Then bring it into Illustrator?...

If so where do I go from there, will that clipping path be enough or is there something I need to do in Illustrator or anything?

Thanks in advance
JP

[PrintDriver]

When you say laser 'cut' do you mean etched into something or being cut out of something?

Sounds like you are through-cutting if they are asking for vector artwork. Usually in closed polygon shapes rather than single lines. Do you have something you can post?

What does your original photoshop file look like? I highly suggest bringing the image into Illustrator, locking it down and having at it with at pen tool. Using the selective tool in Photoshop then converting to paths is going to give you some wonky looking paths in Illustrator that may take more time to clean up than if you hand traced with the pen tool in Illy. Photoshop paths are either too exact with far too many points or too loose and don't follow the contour you intended. Some cutting programs have a total points limit.

Are the multitudes of windows something you can step-and-repeat?

Also as a side note, if you are applying a graphic to the cut piece after cuttiing, remember that print is not an exact process. Creep and stretch are a killer.

Also, can you talk to the laser guy? Getting a dwg out of Illustrator in a way that they can read it needs discussing. You'd be better off sending the .ai if you can't.