Using the DXF section files

How to insert the free DXF cross-sections into AutoCAD, BricsCAD, Revit or CAM software: units, layers, origin and scale.

• Format: AutoCAD R12 ASCII DXF, the most widely supported version. Arcs are stored as polyline bulges, so fillets and corners are exact rather than faceted.
• Units: millimetres at 1:1. In AutoCAD or BricsCAD, set INSUNITS to millimetres before inserting.
• Origin: the section centroid is at 0,0, so the section snaps directly onto a member centreline or setting-out point.
• Layers: SECTION (closed outline, plus inner outline for hollow sections), CENTRELINE (x and y axes, CENTER linetype), TEXT (designation and Standard).
• Hatching: outlines are closed polylines, so HATCH picks them directly. Hollow sections hatch correctly with island detection.
• CAM / profile cutting: plate profiles (flats) can be sent straight to plasma or laser nesting software. Check kerf and lead-ins in your CAM package.
• Batch: each section type has a zip of all its DXFs on the downloads page.

The SVG drawing sheet on each section page prints at true scale on A4 landscape (scale shown in the title block) with the browser's print scaling set to 100%.