ASTM D6673-01
(Practice)Standard Practice for Sewn Products Pattern Data Interchange-Data Format
Standard Practice for Sewn Products Pattern Data Interchange-Data Format
SCOPE
1.1 This standard is designed to facilitate communication between CAD/CAM systems that represent two-dimensional flat pattern pieces. This standard also provides conventions for representing related information such as grade rule tables. This standard is not intended to represent the relationships between pattern pieces or the correspondence between 2D or 3D sewn product pattern piece geometries.
1.2 The file format for the pattern data exchange file defined by this standard complies with the Drawing Interchange File (DXF) format. Autodesk, Inc. developed the DXF format for transferring data between their AutoCAD(r) product and other software applications. This standard documents the manner in which pattern data should be represented within the DXF format. Users of this standard should have Autodesk, Inc.'s documentation on Drawing Interchange Files, found in the AutoCAD Reference Manual, in order to assure compatibility to all DXF format specifications. The AutoCAD Version 13 DXF specification is to be used. The file format for the grade rule table exchange file is an ASCII text file.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: D 6673 – 01
Standard Practice for
Sewn Products Pattern Data Interchange—Data Format
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6673; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.3 base size, n—the digitized or created size of a style.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Base size is a synonym of sample size.
1.1 This standard is designed to facilitate communication
(See sample size.)
between CAD/CAM systems that represent two-dimensional
3.1.4 block, n—a DXF keyword that is used to identify a
flat pattern pieces. This standard also provides conventions for
section of the file that has information about one object.
representing related information such as grade rule tables. This
3.1.4.1 Discussion—a block keyword should be used to
standard is not intended to represent the relationships between
identify the start of information for a pattern piece and the
pattern pieces or the correspondence between 2D or 3D sewn
section should be ended with an endblk keyword.
product pattern piece geometries.
3.1.5 curve interpolation point, n—points generated be-
1.2 The file format for the pattern data exchange file defined
tween curve points by a curve interpolation algorithm in a
by this standard complies with the Drawing Interchange File
CAD vendor’s system to create a curve which represents a
(DXF) format. Autodesk, Inc. developed the DXF format for
contour.
transferring data between their AutoCAD(r) product and other
3.1.6 curve point, n—a user defined point on a contour.
software applications. This standard documents the manner in
3.1.6.1 Discussion—When a curve interpolation algorithm
which pattern data should be represented within the DXF
is used to generate a curve, the resulting curve must pass
format. Users of this standard should have Autodesk, Inc.’s
through all user defined curve points. (See curve interpolation
documentation on Drawing Interchange Files, found in the
points, validation curve)
AutoCAD Reference Manual, in order to assure compatibility
3.1.7 curve tolerance, n—the maximum perpendicular dis-
to all DXF format specifications. The AutoCAD Version 13
tance that the resulting curve can deviate from the original
DXF specification is to be used. The file format for the grade
curve after transferring the data for the first time.
rule table exchange file is an ASCII text file.
3.1.7.1 Discussion—Sufficient points should be added by
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the originating system to keep the shape of the curve within the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
user defined curve tolerance.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.8 cut lines, n—the outside edges of a pattern piece used
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
as a guide for cutting out the pattern piece. (See piece
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
boundary.)
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.9 drill hole, n—a point that is part of a pattern piece that
is not part of any line.
2.1 ANSI/AAMA Standard:
3.1.9.1 Discussion—Drill holes may be used to denote
ANSI/AAMA-292A
pocket or buttonhole placement.
3. Terminology
3.1.10 entities, n—a DXF keyword that is used to identify
the section of the DXF file describing file identification
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
information.
3.1.1 alternate grade reference line, n—an optional internal
3.1.10.1 Discussion—Style system text must be placed in
line whose orientation is used for the x axis of a grade rule.
the entities section of the DXF file.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—The application of a grade rule will be
3.1.11 graded nest, n—a collection of pieces that represent
oriented to the grade reference line unless an alternate grade
every size in the size line for a particular pattern piece.
reference line is specified. (See grade reference line.)
3.1.11.1 Discussion—The CAD vendor’s system will apply
3.1.2 annotation text, n—optional user defined text that can
the grade rules from the grade rule table to the base size of a
be displayed when the pattern piece is plotted.
piece to create the graded nest.
3.1.12 grade reference line, n—the horizontal line that
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and
defines the x axis for the pattern piece.
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.63 on Sewn Product Automation.
Current edition approved May 10, 2001. Published August 2001.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D6673–01
3.1.12.1 Discussion—The position of all other graded lines 3.1.32.1 Discussion—The size names can be alphabetical,
and points on the piece are determined in reference to grade numerical, or alphanumerical.
reference line(s). a piece must have a grade reference line and
3.1.33 smoothing, n—a process in a CAD vendor’s system
may have one or more alternate grade reference lines. (See
that adds curve interpolation points to a curve. (See curve
alternate grade reference line.)
interpolation point.)
3.1.13 grade rule, n—a named set of grade rule values
3.1.34 stripe reference line, n—line used for alignment of
consisting of one grade rule value for each size in the size line.
pattern pieces on stripe material during marker making.
(See grade rule values.)
3.1.34.1 Discussion—The stripe reference line can be either
3.1.13.1 Discussion—a grade rule is named by the grade
inside or outside the piece.
rule identifier.
3.1.35 style, n—a collection of pattern pieces and related
3.1.14 grade rule identifier, n—a user defined numeric
information that defines a sewn product.
name given to a grade rule.
3.1.36 system text, n—information related to either the style
3.1.15 grade rules values, n—values that define how an
and/or pattern pieces in the DXF file.
associated data point on a pattern piece moves from one size to
3.1.37 system text identifier, n—keywords used in DXF file
another expressed in delta XY units.
to construct syntax and associate values with specific system
3.1.16 grade rule table, n—a collection of grade rules.
text.
3.1.17 grade rule table name, n—a user defined name given
3.1.38 turn point, n—point where a contour makes a sudden
to a grade rule table.
change in direction.
3.1.18 grade rule table data exchange file, n—a text file to
3.1.38.1 Discussion—If either line coming into the turn
communicate grade rule values between different CAD/CAM
point is being smoothed, the turn point marks the end of
systems.
smoothing.
3.1.19 grainline, n—line used to define the horizontal ori-
3.1.39 validation curve, n—a set of points that represent the
entation, normally the X-axis, of a piece in a marker.
original curve in the exporting CAD system within curve
3.1.19.1 Discussion—The grain line is always parallel to the
tolerance of the original curve.
selvage (edge) of the material.
3.1.20 internal cut outs, n—lines, part of a pattern piece, not
4. Summary of Practice
part of the piece boundary, which are cut during the cutting
4.1 Pattern Piece Transfer File Format—The file format
process.
defined by this standard complies with the DXF format. A DXF
3.1.21 internal lines, n—lines, part of a pattern piece, not a
file is a specially formatted ASCII text file. It consists of an
part of the piece boundary, which are not cut.
optional header as well as tables, blocks and entities sections.
3.1.21.1 Discussion—Internal lines are not cut but may be
The tables section allows for user-defined functional layering
drawn during the cutting process.
of a CAD drawing. Using this provision, this standard orga-
3.1.22 line, n—a collection of points that define part of a
nizes the CAD data representing a pattern piece into a number
pattern piece.
of layers.
3.1.23 mirror line, n—a line, part of a pattern piece, that
This standard currently can incorporate the following pattern
divides two symmetrical parts.
piece information:
3.1.23.1 Discussion—Since the pattern piece is symmetri-
annotation (plotted) text;
cal, only half of the piece needs to be digitized or created in the
alternate grade reference line(s);
cut line;
system. The other half is reflected across the mirror line.
drill holes;
3.1.24 notch, n—a shape used to mark a location.
graded nests;
3.1.24.1 Discussion—Notches are often used to line up two grade reference line;
grade rule identifiers;
pieces of material to be sewn together.
grade rule table name;
3.1.25 piece boundary, n—a collection of lines that define
grain line;
internal cutouts;
the shape of a piece.
internal lines;
3.1.26 piece information, n—information that is piece spe-
mirror line;
cific.
notches;
piece boundary, including turn points and curve points;
3.1.27 piece system text, n—information provided in the
plaid reference lines;
transfer file that is piece specific.
sew lines;
stripe reference lines;
3.1.28 plaid reference line(s), n—used for alignment of
style information: style name; creation date and time, author, sample
pattern pieces on plaid material during marker making.
size, grade rule table name, units, standard version.
3.1.29 sample size, n—the base size from which grade rule piece information: piece name, quantity, category, rotation, flip, tilt,
fold.
values are established.
3.1.30 sew lines, n—internal lines that indicate where stitch-
4.2 Header—An optional header may precede the informa-
ing of pattern pieces is to be done.
tion in the file defined by this standard. However, because
3.1.31 size list, n—a list of all size names, in order from
many CAD programs on the market today are unable to
smallest to largest, for a particular style.
generate or accept a header, it is recommended that the use of
3.1.32 size name, n—a user defined name for a graded size. the optional header be minimized.
D6673–01
4.3 Layers—The ASTM D13 proposed standard utilizes a
450.369 X coordinate
layered file format. Information contained in the file defined by
338.697 Y coordinate
this standard is separated into distinct layers, each layer
providing a specific type of information. Layer numbers are
VERTEX
used to identify each layer and indicate which information is
1 layer 1–boundary line
found in the layer.
Numbers are used, rather that text, since many programs that
459.322 X coordinate
support the DXF format are unable to generate or accept
338.316 Y coordinate
non-numeric layer designations. Layer 1 is required. Informa-
tion about each layer is described in 4.3.1 through 4.3.15. VERTEX
The following four restrictions are placed on layer informa-
1 layer 1–boundary line
tion:
(1) On Layer 1 the boundary line will be represented as one 457.195 X coordinate
or more polylines that form a closed polygon.
327.486 Y coordinate
(2) Layer 2 will contain all the turn points in the piece
whether they are part of the boundary or internals.
SEQEND
(3) Layer 3 will contain all the curve points in the piece
DXF example of a boundary polyline containing circular-
whether they are part of the boundary or internal lines.
interpolated curves:
(4) Layers 5,6,7,10 and 13 cannot contain polylines.
The following list for layer numbers are provided:
POLYLINE
Layer 1 boundary line
–8
Layer 2 turn points
1 layer 1–boundary line
Layer 3 curve points
Layer 84 quality validation curves
Layer 4 V-notch and slit notch
Layer 80 T-notch
Layer 81 castle notch
Layer 82 check notch
VERTEX
Layer 83 U-notch
Layer 5 grade reference and alternate grade reference line(s)
1 layer 1–boundary line
Layer 6 mirror line
Layer 7 grain line
0.0 X coordinate
Layer 8 internal line(s)
Layer 9 stripe reference line(s)
0.0 Y coordinate
Layer 10 plaid reference line(s)
Layer 11 internal cutout(s)
–0.014743 bulge value
Layer 12 intentionally left blank
Layer 13 drill holes
VERTEX
Layer 14 sew line(s)
Layer 15 annotation text
1 layer 1–boundary line
4.3.1 Layer 1–Boundary Line Layer—The boundary line
–45.900000 X coordinate
layer contains the boundary lines for each piece in the file. A 20
–53.800000 Y coordinate
separate BLOCK is used for each piece. Within each BLOCK
are one or more polylines that constitute the piece boundary.
–0.005465 bulge value
Each polyline within the BLOCK corresponds to an individual 0
VERTEX
pattern element.
The Boundary Line BLOCK includes Turn Points, Curve
Points, Notch Base Points, Grade Points and Mirror Line
–34.200000 X coordinate
Points. The boundary is a continuous, closed line, with points
ordered in either the clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
–38.600000 Y coordinate
This layer is required.
–0.018913 bulge value
DXF example of a boundary polyline containing vectorized
curves:
VERTEX
1 layer 1–boundary line
POLYLINE
–19.100000 X coordinate
1 layer 1–boundary line
–20.200000 Y coordinate
1 closed-polyline flag
SEQEND
VERTEX
1 layer 1–boundary line
D6673–01
4.3.1.1 Style System Text—In addition to the piece bound-
ary, this layer contains information referred to as required style
system text. It only occurs once on this layer in ENTITIES and
is assumed to be valid for all pieces in the DXF file.
0.000
Style information is known as system text. This text is stands
0.000
in contrast to annotation text, which is plotted out and is
defined at Layer 15 in the DXF file. System text is information 0.004
about the style and/or pieces in the DXF file.
0.000
The correct syntax for system text is the system text
0.394
identifier followed directly by a colon (:) character followed
directly by a string of text representing the actual value of the
0.000
identifier. Identifiers can be formed from upper or lower case
Style
characters but must be appear as specified in this standard. The
Name:
value of the identifier is case sensitive and can include
SHIRT
characters from the following ASCII 7-bit character subset,
including the space character (’ ’) as well:
4.3.1.2 Piece System Text—This is system text that appears
! 9 #$%&’()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@
within each piece BLOCK:
ABCDEFGHIJKL MNOP QR STUV WX Y Z
Piece System Text Correct Syntax (Identifier:)
[\]^_ 8abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz{|
Piece Name Piece Name:
}~
Quantity Quantity:
Rotation Rotation:<0.360>
In some cases, the values of identifiers must have a specific
Flip Flip:
format or value.
Tilt Tilt:<+/-0.90>
To avoid a loss of information, all values of identifiers must
Fold Fold:
appear in the DXF file as they appeared
...
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