NC files

Tekla Structures produces NC files in the DSTV format. You can select the information to be included in the NC files and NC file headers, and define the desired pop-mark and contour mark settings. You can also produce MIS (Manufacturing Information System) list files according to the DSTV standard. You can convert the resulting DSTV file into the DXF format.

NC (Numerical Control) refers to a method where machine tool operations are controlled with a computer. The NC data controls the motion of CNC (computer numerical control) machine tools. During the manufacturing process a machine tool or machining center drills, cuts, punches or shapes the piece of material.

After you have finished detailing a Tekla Structures model, you can export the NC data as NC files from Tekla Structures to be used by CNC machine tools. Tekla Structures transforms the part length, hole positions, bevels, notches, and cuts into sets of coordinates that the machine tools can use to create the part in a shop. In addition to the CNC machine tools, the NC files can also be used by MIS and ERP software solutions.

The data for the NC files comes from the Tekla Structures model. We recommend that you complete the detailing and create drawings before producing the NC files.

Tekla Structures produces NC files in the DSTV format (Deutscher Stahlbau-Verband) in the current model folder. In most cases, each part has its own NC file. You can also produce NC files in the DXF format by converting DSTV files to DXF files.

DSTV is a standard interface for geometrical description of steel structure pieces for the post-processors with numerical control. The essential aim of this interface is to be neutral, which means that with only one standard description you can manage several different NC machines. The interface standardizes the link between a CAD-program or a graphical system via a CAM file for the NC machines. The geometry of the piece is introduced completely neutrally, and after knowing the parameters of the NC machine, the post-processor is able to translate this neutral language to the NC machine language. For more information, visit https://dstv.deutscherstahlbau.de/.

Notes and limitations:

Duplicate bolts on a part (bolts in the same location as another bolt) are by default ignored in DSTV NC export. The tolerated distance for bolts to be considered duplicates can be adjusted with the XS_BOLT_DUPLICATE_TOLERANCE advanced option.
The DSTV standard does not support curved beams, and therefore Tekla Structures does not create NC files for curved beams. Use polybeams instead of curved beams.
Do not use shortening on saw cut members, or members that have the end cut at an angle. If you use shortening, the DSTV files are not correct.
Contour mark and pop-mark settings should be fixed before numbering and drawing creation, because both affect numbering. For more information, see the following support article: "How scribing affects DSTV and drawing workflow".

Create NC files in DSTV format

DSTV format is an industrial standard defined by the German Steel Construction Association (Deutsche Stahlbau-Verband). A DSTV file is a text file in ASCII format. In most cases each part has its own DSTV file.

On the File menu, click Export > NC files.
If you have some predefined settings that you want to use, select the settings from the settings file list at the top and click Load.
In the NC files dialog, select the check box in the Create column next to DSTV for plates and/or DSTV for profiles.
To modify the NC file settings, select an NC file settings row, and click Edit...

In the NC file settings dialog, modify the settings on the Files and part selection, Holes and cuts, Hard stamp and Advanced options tabs. Click OK to save your NC file settings and to close the NC file settings dialog.

Hard stamps can be created for both the main part and the secondary parts. By default, Tekla Structures creates hard stamps only for the main part. Set the advanced option XS_SECONDARY_PART_HARDSTAMP to TRUE to also create hard stamps for secondary parts.

You can select to create only DSTV files, MIS files, both, or DSTV files embedded in MIS files.

If you want to add new NC file settings, click Add... This will add a new row in the NC file settings list, and the NC file settings dialog is displayed, where you can give the settings a new name.

You can enter a unique name for the settings using Save as. Tekla Structures saves the settings in the ..\attributes folder under the current model folder.

For more information about the NC file settings, see the "NC file settings" section below.
You can customize the order in which information is displayed in an NC file, and add additional information on individual parts in the NC file header. To select the information to be included in the NC file header, click Header..., modify the information, and click OK:
- In the NC File Header Information dialog, include in the Selected elements list the header information elements that you want, and arrange the elements in the desired order by selecting the element and using the Move up and Move down buttons.
  For example, to add the project number in the header, add the Order identification element.
- If needed, add additional information on individual parts.
  
  You can enter text in the Text info on piece 1 - Text info on piece 4 boxes, and enter desired template attributes in double angle brackets, for example <<WEIGHT>> to display the weight of the part
- If you want to restore the default file header information, click the Default button in the NC File Header Information dialog.
To create pop-marks and modify the pop-mark settings, click Pop-marks...

For more information about creating pop-marks and about the pop-mark settings, see the section "Create pop-marks in NC files" below.
To create contour marks, and modify contour mark settings, click Contour marking.

For more information about creating contour marking and about the contour marking settings, see the section "Create contour marking in NC files" below.
To save the settings that you have modified with another name for later use, click enter a new name next to Save as and click Save as.
In the NC files dialog, use the All parts or Selected parts options to select whether to create the NC files for all parts or only for the selected parts.

If you use the Selected parts option, you need to select the parts in the model.
Click Create.

Tekla Structures creates .nc1 files for the parts using the defined NC file settings. By default, the NC files are created in the current model folder. The file name consists of a position number and the extension .nc1.

You can also customize the file name using a tool called DSTV file name modifier. For example, you might want to include the project name.
Click Show NC log to create and show the log file dstv_nc.log that lists the exported parts and the parts that were not exported.

If all expected parts are not exported, check that the parts which were not exported pass all the profile type, size, hole and other limits set in the NC file settings.

Sometimes the NC file is not created, and a message is displayed on the status bar telling that NC files have note been written. For details about the possible causes, see "Troubleshooting when NC file is not created"

For a DSTV file description, see "DSTV file description" in Manage Tekla Structures.

To learn more about the DTSV syntax, see Standard Description for Steel Structure Pieces for the Numerical Controls.

NC file settings

Files and part selection tab


Setting	Description
File format	DSTV is the only available value.
File location	The default folder is \DSTV_Profiles or DSTV_Plates under the current model folder. The MIS files are created under the current model folder. You can define another destination folder for NC files in one of the following ways: You can enter the folder path in the File location box. You can also browse for the path. For example, enter C:\NC. If you leave the field empty, the NC files will be created in the current model folder. To create the NC file in a specific folder under the current model folder, enter .\<folder_name>. For example, enter .\MyNCFiles. You can use the model-specific advanced option XS_MIS_FILE_DIRECTORY to define the destination folder for the exported NC files. Go to the CNC category in the Advanced options dialog box, and enter the desired folder path for the advanced option `XS_MIS_FILE_DIRECTORY`. The NC files will be created in the specified folder under a folder that has the name of the current model. For example, if you define C:\NC, and the name of the current model is MyModel, the NC files will be created in the folder C:\NC\MyModel.
File extension	.nc1 is the default value.
Include revision mark to file name	Add a revision mark to the NC file name. The file name then includes a number indicating the revision of the file,P176.nc1 becomes P176_1.nc1, for example.
Create what	Select the type of files to create: NC files creates only DSTV files. Part list creates only a MIS list file ( .xsr ). If you create an MIS list file, enter a name for the list in the Part list file name box. Also, you need to click the Browse... button next to the Part list file location box and browse for the location where you want to save the list . NC files and part list creates both the DSTV files and an MIS list file. Combined NC files and part list embeds DSTV files in an MIS list file ( .xsr ).
Maximum size	The options define the maximum length, width, and height of the parts the machine tool can handle. Larger parts are sent to other machines.
Profile type	All profiles that are set to Yes in the Profile type list can be handled by the machine tool. Profile types are named according to the DSTV standard. `I`: I profiles `U`: U and C profiles `L`: L profiles `M`: Rectangular tubes `R`: Round bars and tubes `B`: Plate profiles `CC`: CC profiles `T`: T profiles `SO`: Z profiles and all the other types of profiles By default, Tekla Structures unwraps round tubes as plate profiles and uses the plate profile type `B` in the NC file header data. To change this, use the advanced option XS_TUBE_UNWRAP_USE_PLATE_PROFILE_TYPE_IN_NC.
Maximum size of holes	The Maximum size of holes options define how large holes the machine tool is able to drill. The NC file is not created if a part contains larger holes or its material is thicker than the specified values. The hole size is connected to material thickness or plate thickness. Each row contains the maximum hole diameter and the material thickness. Both conditions have to be met for the NC file to be created. For example, a row with the values `60` `45` means that when the material thickness is 45 mm or smaller, and the hole diameter is 60 mm or smaller, the NC file is created. You can add as many rows as needed. The following example shows how the Maximum size of holes can be defined. In this example, we have the following situation: Three plates of different thickness. Two bolt groups with equal sizes, and one bolt group with a larger size. Maximum size of holes are defined as follows: Test1 creates a folder under the model folder for the plates that meet the following criteria: Hole diameter: `22` Plate thickness: `10` Test2 creates a folder under the model folder for the plates that meet the following criteria: Hole diameter: `22` Plate thickness: `20` When you create NC files for the plates, the folder Test1 includes the plate `PL35010` and the folder Test2 includes the plate `PL35020`. The plate `PL350*15` is not included in any folder, because the hole size criterion is not met. The order in which you enter the criteria is important: enter the most exclusive criteria first. If you define the criteria in a different order, the results will also be different.

Holes and cuts tab


Setting	Description
Inner corners shape	The Inner corners shape option defines the shape of, for example, web notches or flange cuts at the beam end. The Inner corners shape option also affects cuts on the flange: The Inner corners shape option does not apply to rectangular openings that are located in the middle of a part: The Inner corners shape option does not apply to those inner contours that are already rounded in the model. The model values remain intact. The examples in the below show how the different inner corner shape options affect the part in the NC file. The original part in the model has flanges cut entirely and the web is notched. Option 0: Radius The inner corners are shaped like holes with a given radius. A separate `BO` block is not written to the NC file. Option 1: Tangential The inner corner is rounded according to the value in the Radius box. Option 2: Square The corner is as it is in the model. Option 3: Drilled hole A drilled hole is added to the inner corner. The hole radius is the same as the value in the Radius box. Holes are written as a separate `BO` block to the NC file. Option 4: Tangential drilled hole A drilled hole is added tangentially to the inner corner. The hole radius is the same as the value in the Radius box. Holes are written as a separate `BO` block to the NC file. If the inner corner Radius is set to be too large, an NC file is not created to avoid manufacturing errors. The dstv_nc.log file in the model folder shows the error messages, and indicates the parts that have failed and the maximum allowed inner corner radius. For the radius to be valid, the hole (including angles) must be equal to or greater than radius x 2. For example, a hole with angles needs to be even smaller than radius x 2, so that it would not hit the weld preparation area.
Distance from flange within which web is not cut	The Distance from flange within which web is not cut option defines the height of the flange clearance area. The clearance check only affects the `I`, `U`, `C`, and `L` DSTV profile types. If a cut in a part is located closer to the flange than the clearance in the model, the cut points inside that clearance are moved to the border of the clearance area when the NC file is written. The part how it is modeled. The cut goes closer to the top flange than the defined flange clearance in the NC file settings: The part how it is written in the NC files. The dimension shows the clearance. The top of the original cut is moved so that the clearance area is left free. The bottom of the cut is not moved.
Machine slots as	The Machine slots as option defines how slotted holes are created: Ignore slots: Slotted holes are not created in the NC file. A single hole in the center of the slot: Drills a single hole in the center of the slotted hole. Four small holes, one at each corner: Drills four smaller holes, one at each corner. Internal contours: Flame-cuts the slots as internal contours. Slots: Leaves slots as they are.
Maximum diameter for holes to be drilled	The Maximum diameter for holes to be drilled option defines the maximum hole diameter. Holes and slotted holes that are larger than the maximum hole diameter are manufactured as internal contours.
Maximum diameter for circular cuts to be drilled	Maximum diameter for circular cuts to be drilled defines the maximum circular part cuts. They are written as holes if the diameter of the cut is less than the value defined for the setting. Smaller internal circular cuts are converted to holes.

Hard stamp tab


Setting	Description
Create hard stamp	When selected, creates hard stamps.
Hard stamp content	The Elements list defines which elements are included in hard stamps and the order in which the elements appear in the hard stamp. You can also define the Text height and Case. Project number: Adds the project number to the hard stamp. Lot number: Adds the lot number to the hard stamp. Phase: Adds the phase number to the hard stamp. Part position: Prefix and position number of the part. Assembly position: Prefix and position number of the assembly. Material: The material of the part. Finish: The type of finish. User-defined attribute: Adds a user-defined attribute (user fields 1-4) to the mark. Text: Opens a dialog box where you can add user-defined text to the hard stamp. Including part position and/or assembly position in the hard stamp affects the NC filename: Part position: P1.nc1, P2.nc1 Assembly position: A1.nc1, A2.nc1 Assembly and part position: A1-P1.nc1, A2-P2.nc1 The following example shows a hard stamp that contains the elements Phase, Part position, Material, and Text.
Hard stamp placing	If you set the option By orientation mark to Yes, the default face is changed from bottom (`u`) to top (`o`) for L profiles, rectangular tubes and round bars. The Side option defines the side of the part on which the hard stamp is placed. The Position along the part and Position in depth of part options define the position of hard stamps on parts. These options move the hard stamp on the same face it is created, but they cannot move the stamp to a different face. If the face is, for example, the bottom flange, you can move the stamp to a different place on bottom flange, but not to the top flange. Default faces for different profiles: I profile: Bottom flange (`u`) U and C profiles: Back side of web (`h`) L profiles: Back (h) or Bottom (`u`) Rectangular tubes: Bottom flange (`u`) Round bars: Bottom flange (`u`) Circular tubes: Front (`v`) T profiles: Back side of web (`h`) Plate profiles: Front (`v`) See also XS_SECONDARY_PART_HARDSTAMP.

Advanced Options tab


Setting	Description
Number of decimals	Define the number of decimals shown in NC files.
Change external contour (AK block) radius sign	Change the AK block curve radius signs on top (o) and back (h) faces. This change only affects on top (o) and back (h) faces.
Below is an example, where the Change external contour (AK block) radius sign is not selected. Below is an example, where the Change external contour (AK block) radius sign is selected.
Change internal contour (IK block) radius sign	Change the IK block curve radius signs for top (o) and back (h) faces. This change only affects top (o) and back (h) faces.
Curve detection Chord tolerance	Curve detection controls whether three points should be read as a curve instead of two straight lines. When Curve detection is set to Yes, Tekla Structures checks the edges of a solid against a virtual curve described by the edges to see if the edges are curved or straight based on the Chord tolerance value. Enter the Chord tolerance value in millimeters. Curve detection is on by default. The image below describes the chord tolerance.
Convert I profile to T profile when flange is missing	Select whether to convert I profiles to T profiles when a flange is missing. You can select either Yes or No.
Skip unnecessary points	Select whether to keep or skip the points that are almost collinear. If the creation points of a contour plate differ less than 0.3 mm from a straight line, they are skipped in the NC file when this setting is selected. When the setting is not selected, every creation point of a plate is written to the NC file. Skip unnecessary points not selected: Skip unnecessary points selected:
Create KA block for	Select the following options to show bent line information for bent plates and polybeam plates in the NC file KA block: Unfolded bent plates and Unfolded polybeam plates. See also XS_DSTV_DO_NOT_UNFOLD_POLYBEAM_PLATES.

Create pop-marks in NC files

Pop-marks are small holes that help the shop assemble individual parts to form an assembly. Tekla Structures is able to write the pop-mark information in NC files to help position parts that will be manually welded to the assembly main part. Pop-marks are usually made using a drilling machine that drills a small hole in the surface of the material.

Limitation: Tekla Structures pop-marking does not work with polybeams.

Tekla Structures only creates pop-marks for parts for which you have defined pop-mark settings. You can save the pop-mark settings in a .ncp file, which Tekla Structures saves by default in the ..\attributes folder under the current model folder.

Note:

Pop-marking affects numbering. For example, if two parts have different pop-marks, or one part has pop-marks and the other one does not, Tekla Structures gives the parts different numbers.

In the NC files dialog box, select the parts for which you want to create the pop-marks by selecting the corresponding check boxes in the Pop-marks column.
Click the Pop-marks... button.
In the Pop-Mark Settings, click Add to add a new row.

To define which parts are pop-marked and where the pop-marks are created, enter or select information for each item on a row.

The order of the rows in the Pop-Mark Settings dialog box is important. Enter the most limiting definition first, and the most generic one last.

First define the pop-mark settings on the Parts to pop-mark tab:


Setting	Description
Main part profile type	Select the main part profile type that is pop-marked. The list contains profiles according to the DSTV standard.
Main part name	Enter the names of the main part profiles. You can enter several part names separated by commas, for example, `COLUMN, BEAM`. You can use wildcards (* ? [ ] ). For example, HE* matches all parts with a profile name that begins with the characters "HE". Part name can contain more names separated by comma.
Sec part profile type	Select the secondary part profile type.
Secondary part name	Enter the names of the secondary part profiles. You can enter several part names separated by commas. You can use wildcards (* ? [ ] ). Part name can contain more names separated by comma
Pop-mark location	Select how the secondary part is projected onto the main part. Left side: The left side of the secondary part is marked on the main part. The left side is the side of the secondary part that is closest to the start point of the main part. Right side: The right side of the secondary part is marked on the main part. Both sides: Combines Left side and Right side. Center: Center of the secondary part. Left side holes: Marks the main part with the position of holes in the secondary part, on the left side of the secondary part. Right side holes: Marks the main part with the position of holes in the secondary part, on the right side of the secondary part. Both side holes: Combines Left side holes and Right side holes. Middle line: Marks two points on the middle line of the secondary part x axis.
Move to flange	Select to which part of the main part flange the pop-marks are moved. The options are None, Both flanges, Top flange, and Bottom flange.
Edge distance	Enter the minimum distance from a pop-mark to the edge of the main part. Tekla Structures does not create pop-marks inside this distance. If a pop-mark is inside the defined edge distance, Tekla Structures moves it, unless you have set Pop-mark location to Center.
Secondary pop-marks	Select whether pop-marks are created to the secondary parts.
Add pop-mark to parts welded on site	Select whether pop-marks are created for parts that are welded on site.

Then define the pop-mark settings on the Pop-marking options tab:

Table 1.
Setting	Description
Pop-marks on the back	Select one of the options: Rotate part if pop-marks or other items only on the back Rotate part and drill through pop-marks on the back if other items or more pop-marks only on the back. Also set the Hole diameter. Drill through pop-marks on the back if no other items on the back. Also set the Hole diameter.
No pop-marks on overlapping holes	Select if you do not want to have pop-marks on overlapping holes.
Add pop-marks to centers of studs	Select to have pop-marks in the stud centers.
Show pop-marks in the model	Select to show pop-marks in the model.
Consider zero diameter holes as pop-marks	Write zero diameter bolt holes as a pop-marks.

Click OK.
Select the parts in the model and create the NC files.

Pop-marks are written in the BO block in the DSTV file as 0 mm diameter holes.

If needed, pop-marks can also be displayed in drawings. In drawings, select the Pop-marks: on/off check box in the part properties to display the pop-marks.

The default symbol for pop-marks is xsteel@0. You can change the symbol with the advanced option XS_POP_MARK_SYMBOL .

Tekla Structures displays thick red lines for each pop-mark pair in the model view which was last updated.

Examples

Tekla Structures marks the center point of all round secondary profiles on a main part, and does not create pop-marks closer than 10 mm to the main part edge.

Tekla Structures projects the hole location in the secondary plates onto a main part.

Create contour marking in NC files

Tekla Structures is able to generate contour marking in NC files. This means that information on the layout and the parts that are welded together can be added to the NC files and passed on to the machine tool.

Limitation: Tekla Structures contour marking on polybeams does not work in all cases. The visual placement of contour marking on polybeams has been improved.

Tekla Structures only creates contour markings for parts for which you have defined contour marking settings. You can save the contour marking settings in a .ncs file, which Tekla Structures saves by default in the ..\attributes folder under the current model folder.

You can add contour marking to both the main and the secondary parts.

Note:

Contour marking affects numbering. For example, if two parts have different contour markings, or one part has contour markings and the other one does not, Tekla Structures gives the parts different numbers.

For more information on contour marking, see the support article How to create contour marking for steel beams.

In the NC files dialog box, select the parts for which you want to create the contour marks by selecting the corresponding check boxes in the Contour marking column.
Click the Contour marking... button in the NC files dialog box.
In the Contour marking settings dialog box, click Add to add a new row.

To define which parts are contour marked and how they are contour marked, enter or select information for each item on a row:


Option	Description
Main part profile type	Select the main part profile type that is contour marked. The list contains profiles according to the DSTV standard.
Main part name	Enter the name for the main part profiles. You can enter several part names separated by commas, for example, `COLUMN, BEAM`. You can use wildcards (* ? [ ] ). For example, HE* matches all parts with a profile name that begins with the characters "HE". Part name can contain more names separated by comma.
Sec part profile type	Select the secondary part profile type. The list contains profiles according to the DSTV standard.
Secondary part name	Enter the name for the secondary part profiles. You can enter several part names separated by commas. You can use wildcards (* ? [ ] ). Part name can contain more names separated by comma.
Secondary contour marking	Select whether the secondary parts are contour marked.
Punch or powder	In the list, select how the part is contour marked: Punch: The part is punched. Powder: The part is marked with powder. Both: Both techniques are used.
Hard stamp	Select whether hard stamps are created.
Mark parts welded on site	Select whether you want to mark parts that are welded on site.
Edge distance	Define the minimum distance from a contour mark to the edge of the main part. Tekla Structures not create contour marks inside this distance.

Click OK and create the NC files.

Contour marking is written in the PU and KO blocks in the DSTV file.

Tekla Structures displays contour marking as thin magenta lines in the model view.

Fittings and line cuts in NC files

When creating NC files in DSTV format, the method you use to cut the end of the beam affects the beam length in the NC file.

Fittings affect the length of the beam in the NC file.
Line cuts do not affect the length of the beam in the NC file.

When you cut the beam end, use the fitting method to make sure that the beam length is correct in the NC file.

The overall length of a beam will be the fitted net length of the beam. This means that Tekla Structures always takes the fitting into account when calculating the beam length.

For lines, polygons, or part cuts, the cut does not affect beam length, but the overall length in the NC file will be the gross (initially modeled) length of the beam.

Fitting
Line cut
Polygon or line cut
Fitting

Shortest length

If you want to use the shortest possible length in an NC file, use the advanced option XS_DSTV_NET_LENGTH.

Net and gross length

If you want to include both net and gross length into NC file header data, use the advanced option XS_DSTV_PRINT_NET_AND_GROSS_LENGTH.

Create round tube NC files

You can create NC files for tubular hollow sections. You first need to use specific tube components to create the connections.

Create the following tube-to-tube and tube-to-plate connections:

After using the components, you can create an NC file for data export. The tube NC file creation results in an XML file that contains the model data.

Limitations:

To get correct tube NC export results, note the following limitations:

Line cuts and fittings created manually or by other components will be exported as simple chamfers.
Part cuts are not supported in the XML export to HGG tube NC files.
Holes created by bolts are not supported, and they will not be exported.
Curved beams are not supported.
For square or rectangular tubes, use File > Export > NC files to create DSTV files.

On the File menu, click Export > Tube NC files.
In the Create Tube NC Files dialog box, enter a name for the export file, and browse for the location where you want to save the file.

By default, the file is saved in the model folder.
Select whether you want to create the file for selected parts or for all parts.
Click Create.

Tekla Structures creates an XML file and a log file in the location you defined.

Convert DSTV to DXF

Use the DSTV to DXF converter to convert DSTV files to DXF format files to be used in fabrication production solutions, such as plate nesting or production management. Many production automation solutions, especially some plate nesting solutions, only support the import of DXF files, not DSTV NC files.

The DSTV to DXF converter provides key layer and quantity information in the format expected by the production solutions. The converter also supports the automation of the conversion processes through the command prompt and macro templates, which allow you to set up and customize your automation routines.

Convert using the DSTV to DXF Converter

To open the DSTV to DXF Converter, in the side pane, click the Applications & components button, search for the DSTV to DXF Converter, and double-click the DSTV to DXF Converter button.
The DSTV to DXF Converter dialog is displayed.
Define the desired settings on the various tabs, and use the Add button to add the .nc files.
The settings are described in the "DSTV to DXF conversion settings" section later on this page.
Click the Convert button.
The DXF files are created in the specified folder:
You can open the output folder by clicking the Open output folder button. To check the conversion log, click the Show log button.

Convert DSTV to DXF using a converter template

You can use a converter template to automate the conversion process. All you need to do is to fill in the necessary information in the template file in a text editor. Once you have it set up, you do not need open and load the settings in the DSTV to DXF Converter dialog, and you can do the conversion just by double-clicking one button.

In Applications & components, right-click the DSTV to DXF Converter Template button, click Edit, and select a suitable text editor.

This opens the DSTVtoDXFConverterTemplate.cs template located in the ..\TeklaStructures\<version>\bin\<Env>\Common\macros\modeling folder.
Scroll down to modify the strings to suit local environment and user preferences:

/**** Modify these strings to suit local environment and user preferences. ****/

private static string attributeFile = @"standard";

private static string inputFolder = @"./DSTV_Profiles";

private static string outputFolder = @"./NC_dxf";

private static string files = @"PL*.nc1, BPL*.nc1, FLT*.nc1";

private static bool overwrite = true;
- standard: attribute file name you want to use for conversion
- ./DSTV_Profiles: input folder in which single and batch files are searched for
- ./NC_dxf: output folder where to create the *.dxf files
- PL*.nc1, BPL*.nc1, FLT*.nc1: list of file names each enclosed in quotes or wild card
- true: option to overwrite or not the existing *.dxf files.
Save the template file.
To run the conversion using the template, in Applications & components, double-click the DSTV to DXF Converter Template button.

After the process ends, a message will give you information about the conversion.

DSTV to DXF conversion settings



General tab
Output folder, DSTV files	Select the desired settings file. You can use the Import .def button to import a settings file. Define the Output folder. By default, the output folder is \NC_dxf under the model folder. Use the Add button to add the .nc files. You can remove files by clicking the Remove button. To remove all files at one go, use the Clear all button.
Environment tab
Include shop data section	Specify whether to include a special data section in the DXF file to allow the DXF file to be better imported into CNC software written by Shop Data Systems. Including this special data section in the DXF file makes the DXF file unreadable by AutoCAD. No is the default value.
No input file extension in output file	Specify whether to use the input file extension in the output file. Yes: p1001.dxf. Yes is the default value. No: p1001.nc1.dxf
Draw crosshairs	Select whether to draw crosshair for holes and slotted holes. Holes (default): Long holes: Both: None:
Side to convert	Define the part face that is shown in the DXF file: Front (default), Top, Back, or Below. For plates, if you select Back, you need to set the advanced option XS_DSTV_WRITE_BEHIND_FACE_FOR_PLATE to `TRUE` for the NC file creation. This will include the back side data of a plate in the NC file.
Output contours as	Convert contours as Polylines (default) or Lines and arcs.
Contour direction	Define the contour direction. This option changes the coordinates of the vertices, and their order in the DXF file. The options are: Reverse (clockwise, default) Forward (couter-clockwise)
Convert holes to polylines	Convert holes to polylines. Yes is the default value.
Maximum diameter for holes converted to points	Convert holes with a diameter smaller than the defined value to points and follow the Hole point style and Hole point size settings. The default value is 10.00 mm.
Hole point style	Set the style for hole points. Enter one of the following values: 2 3 4 33 34 35 36
Hole point size	Enter the hole point size. 1.00 mm is the default value.
Scale DSTV by	Scale the values from the DSTV file. 1.00000 for metric units (default) 0.03937 for imperial units NOTE: Sometimes, the elements are not properly converted in the .dxf file due to the small Scale DSTV by value (less than 1.00). In this case, you can increase the Number of decimals value and/or the Scale DSTV by value, which will create the elements in the .dxf file properly.
Add outer contour roundings	Add holes to roundings. No is the default value. This setting only affects the roundings if at the NC file creation, the Inner corners shape setting was set to 1 on the Holes and cuts tab in the NC file settings dialog. The hole size information is comes to the DSTV file from the Radius value in the NC file settings dialog, and it cannot be adjusted in the DSTV to DXF converter. Yes No
Minimum material between holes	Define how close the holes can be to each other in the slotted hole conversion. 2.00 mm is the default value.
Hardstamp for contour marking	Enable the conversion of the hard stamp created at the NC file creation. In the Contour marking settings in NC file settings, you need to have set the Hard stamp option to Yes. No is the default value.
Number of decimals	Set the number of decimals for values in the DXF file. 3 is the default value.
Read part mark from NC file header line	Set the line number of the NC file header for reading the part mark information. The options are: 3 - Read the part mark information from the 3rd line of the NC file header. This is the default value. 4 - Read the part mark information from the 4th line of the NC file header.
Draw blind holes	Include or exclude the blind holes in the NC files. No is the default.
Draw outer diameter of countersunk holes	Select Yes to create the outer diameter of the countersunk holes in addition to the inner diameter. If you select No, only the inner diameter will be created. No is the default value.
Draw tapped holes	Select one of the following options: Core hole size: Maps and draws tapped holes using the core hole size conversion and layers. Nominal size: Draws tapped holes using the nominal (DSTV value) size. Tapped holes are mapped to the layers and colors as defined on the new Tapped holes tab. No: Tapped holes are ignored and not drawn in the DSTV output.
Text specifications tab, Text properties
Add text	Select whether to use the manual text properties or the hard stamp from the NC file: Manual: Define the text settings. This is the default value. From NC file: All text settings will be disabled and the information defined in the DSTV file will be used.
Text placing	Place the text manually or let the application find out a suitable place for it. The options are: Fixed: Set the X and Y coordinates of the point that represents the lower-left corner of the last line of text from the origin point 0,0 of the DXF file. Automatic: The text will be placed automatically taking into consideration the collision with outer and internal contours, holes, and contour marking. If no suitable position is found, the default value (X 30.00, Y 30.00) will be used.
Text height	Specify the text height. 10.00 is the default value.
Text line alignment	Write the text options on separate or combined lines. Separate lines: Each text option is written on a separate line. This is the default value. Project number and part mark separate, others combined All into one line: All text options are concatenated on one line. When selecting one of the last two options the prefixes will be automatically removed but they can be added back and work as for the first option.
Separator symbol	Enter the separator used for the Text options if you are using one of the combined text alignment options. You can specify more than one character. Plus (+) is the default separator.
Text specifications tab, Text options
Enable/Disable items from the text options	Enable or disable options from the converted text options. If you disable an option, the related Prefix box on the right is also disabled. Note that whitespaces will be considered in the prefixes. Project number: Enter the prefix for the project number. Project number: is the default. This option is disabled by default. Part mark: Enter the prefix for the part mark. Part: is the default. This option is enabled by default. Side mark: Enter the prefix for the side mark. Side: is the default. This option is disabled by default. Material: Enter the prefix for the material. Material: is the default. This option is enabled by default. Quantity: Enter the prefix for the quantity. Quantity: is the default. This option is enabled by default. Thickness: Enter the prefix for the thickness. Thickness: is the default. This option is disabled by default. Profile description: Enter the prefix for the profile description (Desc: is the default). This option is enabled by default.
Misc layers tab The maximum length of a layer name is 100 characters. If you use special characters in layer names, such as <, >, /, \, :, ?, !, *, \|, ;, and space " ", the extension will replace them with the "_" underscore character.
Part mark	Define a name and a color for the part mark layer. SCRIBE is the default name.
Phantom	Define a name and a color for the phantom layer. LAYOUT is the default name.
NS pop-mark	Define a name and a color for the near side pop-mark layer. NS_POP_MARK is the default name. You can also define whether to use pop circle (default) or pop point as the pop mark type. Also define the DXF diameter (default 2.00 mm).
FS pop-mark	Define a name and a color for the far side pop-mark layer. FS_POP_MARK is the default name. You can also define the diameter (default 1.00 mm), and whether to use pop circle (default) or pop point as the pop-mark type. Also define the DXF diameter (default 2.00 mm).
Text	Define a name and a color for the text layer. TEXT is the default name.
Outer contour	Define a name and a color for the outer contour layer. CUT is the default name.
Inner contour	Define a name and a color for the inner contour layer. CUTOUT is the default name.
Punch contour marking	Define a name and a color for the punch contour marking layer. PUNCH_CONTOUR_MARKING is the default name.
Powder contour marking	Define a name and a color for the powder contour marking layer. POWDER_CONTOUR_MARKING is the default name.
Bends	Define a name and a color for the bends layer. BENDS is the default name. You can enable or disable the bends layer. If the bends are enabled (default), the information on the bent lines will be written in the DXF files. If the bends are disabled, this information is not written.
Color	Colors and color numbers available for layers.

Hole layers tab:

For the hole layers, to modify the hole layer name, hole minimum diameter, hole maximum diameter, and the layer color, double-click the cell and enter a new value, or select a new value from the list.
To add a new row, right-click and select Add new row.
To delete a row, select a row, right-click, and select Delete selected row, or press Delete on the keyboard.
To clear all rows, right-click and select Clear all rows.

Slotted hole layers tab:

For the slotted hole layers, to modify the values (hole layer name, hole minimum diameter, hole maximum diameter, minimum width, maximum width, minimum height, maximum height, type, layer color, and phantom type), double-click the cell and enter a new value, or select a new value from the list.
To add a new row, right-click and select Add new row.
To delete a row, select a row, right-click, and select Delete selected row, or press Delete on the keyboard.
To clear all rows, right-click and select Clear all rows.

Phantom type examples

Below there are some examples with different phantom types. The other settings used are Slot type = 1 , Hole point style = 33 and Hole point size = 1.


Phantom arrow
Phantom outline
Phantom arrow + outline
Phantom none

Tapped holes tab:

LAYER NAME: Defines the name for the tapped holes layer.
DIAMETER: Sets the bolt hole diameter for the tapped holes on the defined layer. This is the size that is found and matched in the DSTV NC file.
CORE HOLE SIZE: Sets the core hole size for the tapped holes on the defined layer. This is the size that is used in the DXF output if Core hole size is the selected Draw tapped holes option.
COLOR: Sets a new color for the tapped holes on the defined layer.

To modify the values, double-click the cell and enter a new value, or select a new value from the list.
To add a new row, right-click and select Add new row.
To delete a row, select a row, right-click, and select Delete selected row, or press Delete on the keyboard.
To clear all rows, right-click and select Clear all rows.

Convert DSTV to DXF through command prompt

Open a Tekla Structures model.
Open the Command Prompt window.
To run the DSTV to DXF converter, at the command prompt, enter the path to the DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe command and the desired parameters.
The command is located in the ..\Tekla Structures\<version>\bin\applications\Tekla\Tools\DSTVtoDXFConverter folder by default.

Command syntax:

DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe [-cfg attributeFile] [-out outputFolder] [-in inputFolder] [-overwrite] [-f files]

Parameters:

-cfg attributeFile

Defines the attribute file used in the conversion.
The standard attribute file is used if nothing else is specified.
You can use both full and relative paths.
Relative paths are relative to the model folder.
If no path is specified, the configuration file is read from the standard attribute file locations.
If there are no attribute files, a warning message will appear asking you to specify a configuration file and create an attribute file in the DSTV to DXF converter dialog.

-out outputFolder

Defines the output folder.
You can use both full and relative paths.
Relative paths are relative to the model folder.
If the folder is not specified, the output folder is read from the attribute file.
If the folder is not specified in the attribute file, the output folder is the same as the input folder.
The output folder is created if it does not exist.
If the output folder name contains spaces, enclose the name in quotation marks (“”).

-in inputFolder

The folder from which single and batch files are searched for.
You can use both full and relative paths.
The default is the model folder if the input folder is not specified.
If the input folder name contains spaces, enclose the name in quotation marks (“”).

-no_over_write

When included, existing files are not overwritten.
When not specified, existing files are overwritten.

-f files

A list of 1 to n file names each enclosed in quotes, separated by commas
You can also use wild card *
If not specified, “*.nc1” is used as default
Examples :
1. -f “P1.nc1”
2. -f “*.nc1”
3. -f "P1.nc1, F2.nc1, P3.nc1, P5.nc1, P7.nc1"
4. -f “PL*.nc1, BPL*.nc1, FLT*.nc1”

Examples of DSTV to DXT converter command

DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe

opens the DSTV to DXF converter dialog.

DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe -in “./NC Plates”

standard attribute file is used
the input folder is [modelFolder]\NC Plates
the output folder is read from standard attribute file
all files with .nc1 extension are converted
existing *.dxf files for selected *.nc1 files will be overwritten

DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe -cfg myPlateSettings -out “./Plate DXF” -in “./NC Plates” -f “P1.nc1”

attribute file with the name myPlateSettings is used
the input folder is [modelFolder]\NC Plates
the output folder is [modelFolder]\Plate DXF
the file P1.nc1 is converted
existing *.dxf files for selected *.nc1 files will be overwritten

DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe -cfg myPlateSettings -out "./Plate DXF" -in "./NC Plates" -f "P1.nc1, F 2.nc1, P3.nc1, P5.nc1, P7.nc1"

attribute file with the name myPlateSettings is used
the input folder is [modelFolder]\NC Plates
the output folder is [modelFolder]\Plate DXF
the files P1.nc1, F2.nc1, P3.nc1, P5.nc1, and P7.nc1 are converted
existing *.dxf files for selected *.nc1 files will be overwritten

DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe -cfg myPlateSettings -in “./NC Plates” -no_over_write -out “./Plate DXF” -f “*.nc1”

attribute file with the name myPlateSettings is used
the input folder is [modelFolder]\NC Plates
the output folder is [modelFolder]\Plate DXF
all files with .nc1 extension are converted
existing *.dxf files for selected *.nc1 files will not be overwritten

 DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe -cfg myPlateSettings -in “./NC Plates” -no_over_write -out “./Plate DXF” -f “PL*.nc1, BPL*.nc1, FLT*.nc1”

attribute file with the name myPlateSettings is used
the input folder is [modelFolder]\NC Plates
the output folder is [modelFolder]\Plate DXF
all the files that have PL, BPL, FLT as a prefix and .nc1 extension are converted
existing *.dxf files for selected *.nc1 files will not be overwritten

You can also use the following parameters with DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe:

To find out the version of the converter: DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe -!
To see all the options and commands: DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe -?
To list examples that use correct templates: DSTVtoDXFConverter.exe examples