Convert Image to Waterjet Cut File
Waterjet cutters require vector file input — DXF or SVG containing closed contour paths. Converting a raster image (PNG, JPG, or scanned drawing) into a waterjet-ready file involves vectorizing the image and then exporting to the format your waterjet CAM software accepts.
About Convert image to waterjet cut file
Waterjet cutting machines (OMAX, Flow, KMT, Techni, WAZER) require vector path files as input. Raster images — PNG, JPG, photos, scans — cannot be fed directly into waterjet software. The conversion process: vectorize the image to get SVG paths, then export to DXF or the native format your waterjet controller uses.
Step 1 — Vectorize the image: upload the PNG or JPG to the vectorizer. The tool traces the image outlines into clean SVG paths. For waterjet cutting, the most important attribute is closed paths — open path endpoints leave the cutter path undefined.
Step 2 — Check and close paths: open the SVG in Inkscape. Use Extensions > Generate from Path > Interpolate to check for open paths. Waterjet cutting requires fully closed contour paths so the machine knows where to end each cut.
Step 3 — Export to DXF: waterjet CAM software typically uses DXF as the input format. Export the SVG paths from Inkscape as DXF R14. OMAX Layout, FlowCut, and IGEMS all import DXF R14 natively.
Node density consideration: waterjet toolpaths interpolate between path nodes. Reduce node count using Path > Simplify in Inkscape before exporting — this produces smoother cuts and smaller DXF files that process faster in the CAM software.
For simple shapes and logos, the vectorizer produces cut-ready contour paths in one step — upload and download.