dxf

Write a Python script with a parameterless function decorated with @dxf that returns build123d 2D geometry, then run the script directly. The engine writes the sibling .dxf file and runs validation checks before anything is saved.

Read the STEP with cadgen.read_step, which records its content hash as a build input, then call flatten.flat_pattern with a coordinate and optional kerf value. For STEP files generated by your own project, import the model script and call it instead of reading the artifact.

Only the cadgen dxf snapshot rendering command needs Node 20 or newer on PATH, since it meshes the flat pattern through a bundled Node one-shot. Generating and validating DXF files requires only the cadgen Python distribution.

Builds fail when cut-layer profiles are not closed, entities are zero-length or duplicated, the document is explicitly unitless, or modelspace is empty. Open geometry is only permitted on layers whose names indicate bend, engrave, or reference intent.

Yes, but text must be bd.Text engraved outlines placed on a marking layer such as ENGRAVE, never DXF TEXT entities. Cut and marking toolchains consume geometry, and font rendering inside CAM software is unreliable.

Never point read_step at a STEP file your own project generates, because the drawing's input would change on every model run and the freshness gate could never report current. Import the model script and call it instead so the dependency is tracked by result.