Handle SVG-Files

A small guide to be used in model making

Guidance on working with scalable vector graphics

This guide is intended to help you deal with SVG files, i.e. scalable vector graphics.

The advantage of these graphics is that the lines drawn there are not stored as pixels, but as two-dimensional vectors. This allows you to scale these graphics as you wish. The stored information as vectors also allows these files to be used as a coordinate basis for cutting plotters or laser cutters. However, since there are a variety of programs available here, the size information stored in the file is usually not as usable as you know it from our STL files. Unfortunately, direct use by scaling according to our factor is not possible.

Here's how you can still use it. Depending on the program and plotter used, there may be differences and the corresponding function designations may also vary.

It is assumed that you have previous experience with your devices and the software and are able to recognize corresponding functions or settings, even if these are only mentioned here in general terms and differ from the designation in your software.

Please choose the appropriate function or setting in your software yourself. Sometimes it may be that certain settings are already activated by default. Then skip the corresponding points.

No plotter at hand?

No problem. Our SVG files will still help you. Just use it as a template. The following steps will also help you to print the stencil in the appropriate size on a sheet of paper to fix it on your glass film and cut it out.

1. Loading the file and grouping

Open your plotter software and load the desired SVG file. By default, our window files are delivered in a "composite". You can dissolve this to edit individual elements.

Note that it makes sense to leave certain blocks connected, as they are always in the same ratio. In the pictures shown below, the side windows (green) are in relation to each other. (The colored marking of the windows in the picture is for illustrative purposes, you don't have to change it.) Bring the green windows into a solid bond (group or connect) so that they will remain in the same arrangement later in your cutting pattern. Repeat the same with the yellow windows and with the blue windows.

2. Measuring on your model

The component to which your windows belong should be sanded, filled and painted, so that the windows are the final finish to complete your component. If you haven't already, finish this first.

Use a suitable measuring device to measure the longest available horizontal (Y) or vertical (X) distance. Please do not use diagonals or oblique distances, as you can usually only scale X or Y coordinates cleanly in your program.

ATTENTION!

The longest straight route is always the better choice! Why?

Due to the scaling with an existing aspect ratio, the change of the longer side has less of an effect than vice versa. For example, with an aspect ratio of 10:1, a change of 0.1 on the long side of 10 affects the short side with a change of 0.01, that is, 1.01. So the change here is minimal.

If we turn this around and change the short side 1 by 0.1, the long side changes tenfold, i.e. by 1 to the value 11. The seemingly small change has a huge effect here and can lead to the fact that your cut component no longer fits.

So measure as accurately as possible and on the long side. Remember the length or write it down.

3. Customizing the vector graphic

Bring the vector graphic to your determined measurement using the measurement and fitting functions included in your program. Make sure that the resizing is done while maintaining the aspect ratio.

Since all windows in an SVG file are stored in the same size ratio to your model, you can regroup all the objects before resizing, and only have to scale once.

Then you can start cutting.

4. No cutting plotter?

You can use the previous steps with many other graphics programs. Make sure your document is set to the same scale you use to measure. If you measure in millimeters, set your document to millimeters in the properties. So that you are on the same measuring scale.

Adjust the size of the vector graphic and print the document onto a piece of paper using your printer. You attach this to your "model building glass" again and carefully cut out the windows.

Alternatively, you can also use self-adhesive printable vinyl foil, which is removable.

Repeat these steps with all other SVG vector graphics and always think about where you take measurements.

Thank you for your attention

Thank you and I hope, this little Guide helped you.