Printing SBT CBT.from DWG FILES AND LINEWEIGHTS which way?

[alisonn]

I was going to a printer who accepted PDFs and PLT files. The PLT files were more faithful in their reproduction than a PDF file. I found PDFs would have rogue lines and text that were blurred and distorted.

I have now found a new printer who says he can print either from a PDF or DWG file.

I have never heard of a printer being able to print from a DWG file. Is this better? (I think it must be- I think the dwg file may well be better as then I dont have to make individual files for each of my drawing but I can send off my one file that will be smaller. and saves me a great task.)

They told me I have set up all my files in SBT which is too complicated and that I should use monochrome CTB which makes all the files come black automatically.

( I think). I think I have created lots of problems for myself by selecting SBT.They had to look it up but they said use the command CONVERTPSTYLES and convert files to CBT.

Question 1. Will I be able to put the occasional splash of colour in the drawings? I need red sometimes.

Question 2. They told me that I would assign a colour and put all the details in 'plot style editor table' and I would also indicate the line weights there. However 'Layers Property Manager' has a column for Lineweight already. Which way is the easiest? I think for me it is easier to insert line weight in Layers Property Manager and leave the Table alone? I can see it and imagine it instantly and the preview seems to look ok.

I saw something about not mixing the two (Lineweight by ReMark ie dont mix apples and pears which I read on the Forum).

 

If I do use the Layers Properties Manager, (and it works out with the printer's) does this mean, that say I assign the colour red for example, that I can vary the weights in different layers and the printing will adjust accordingly to any thickness? Or will red only print to one thickness and the lineweight in the column in Layers Property Manager always be the same thickness for the colour? Do I have to be consistant?

Would my red for example always have to be a pen thickness of 0.13mm for example.

The reason I ask this is because my way will be simpler. I guess I will find out when we print...

[ReMark]

Yes, some printers have the ability to plot from a DWG file as well as from a PLT and PDF file.

 

So, let's be clear about this, your printer wants you to use a CTB rather than a STB plot style. Is that correct?

 

Yes, you can edit the monochrome.ctb to add a splash of color to a print. Save this plot style though with a unique name so it does not get mixed up with AutoCAD's normal monochrome.ctb file.

 

Lineweight can be controlled in any number of ways. It can be controlled within the drawing itself using the Layer Properties Manager or it can be controlled via the CTB or STB plot style. Pick one or the other but don't mix the two because it will just cause headaches for your printer.

 

It sounds like you are more used to using an STB plot style. Is that correct?

[alisonn]

The printer told me to convert the file which was STB monochrome with the command CONVERTPSTYLES and now when I look I think have changed it to CTB monochrome. It comes up when I right click for Plot and up in the right hand corner with the drop down menu. All the drawings have an extension that has CTB.

 

I have been using STB which unknowingly causes a host of problems. So many problems I dont know what they are!I dint know which one to select when I was started so just went for STB.

 

This printer is just round the corner so I can even look over his shoulder to see what is coming up which is most helpful.

(He doesn't like it) I think I will carry on the way I am and edit the way it is easeir for me in the Layers manager.

This means that it only saves it in the drawing I am working on. But I can keep using this drawing and refine it till I have found a way that works me. I am constantly trying trying to improve the way my drawings look and the way I work

 

I will have to see what works for the printer too of course.

[ReMark]

Who exactly is printing your drawings for you and why don't you handle your own printing?

[alisonn]

I dont have printer as I work from home so have to send out for prints. Having said that I might get my own A3 printer.

 

I have noted that other larger companies and practices also use this printer ( ie a small company ) which avoids employing someone in the office. With our technology we submit all our applications on line to the local authorities etc. That means we need only a file copy of what was sent and copy for the client in 'paper'.

[ReMark]

Do you know the difference between a STB and a CTB plot style?

[rkent]

Your printer says they can print a dwg, then they can just as easily print stb as ctb, you simply give them your stb when you send the drawings to them. The best way to control your output is to keep giving them .plt files rather than .dwg and .stb files.

 

I wouldn't go through converting files just to get them to print them.

 

You can assign lineweights from the layer manager or the plot style and with stb you can assign a plotstyle per object if you want.

 

With ctb red will only print to the thickness set in the ctb for that pen or the thickness assigned in the layers manager.