Cutting Beams from Tekla DSTV Files: Import, Nesting and Marking
The PCL H-beam laser cuts parts straight from the DSTV (NC1) files that Tekla and other detailing programs export. Contours, copes, holes and slots come from the model, bevels are added per edge, and the part mark and layout lines are marked on the steel, so nothing is redrawn at the machine.
At a glance
- Imports DSTV / NC1 (.nc), IGES and STEP files.
- Contours (AK, IK), holes (BO) and marking (SI, KO) cut from the file.
- Bevels set per edge; parts nested along 12 m bars.
- Part marks and fit-up lines replace manual layout.
On this page
What a DSTV file is
DSTV (also called NC1) is the standard text format for sending steel part data from detailing software to fabrication machines. Tekla Structures, Advance Steel, SDS2 and most other detailing programs export it, one file per part. Each file is split into blocks:
| Block | Contains | What the laser does with it |
|---|---|---|
| ST | Header: part mark, section, material, length, quantity | Loads the section and sets the part length |
| AK | Outer contour of each face | Cuts ends, copes and notches |
| IK | Inner contours | Cuts access holes, openings and slots |
| BO | Holes, including slotted holes | Cuts bolt holes and slots |
| SI | Numbering text | Marks the part number on the steel |
| KO | Marking lines | Marks fit-up lines for assembly |
| EN | End of file | — |
From model to cut part
- Export. In Tekla, export NC files for the parts of the job. Each part becomes one .nc file.
- Import. Load the files into the machine controller. It reads the section, contours, holes and marks for each part.
- Add bevels. Weld bevels are set per edge in the part program. See beam bevel cutting.
- Nest. Parts of the same section are arranged along 12 m bars. With no chuck, the last part runs to the bar end. See zero-remnant cutting and nesting.
- Cut and mark. The laser cuts the contours, holes and bevels and marks the part number and fit-up lines.
Supported file formats
| Format | Typical source | Use |
|---|---|---|
| DSTV / NC1 (.nc) | Tekla, Advance Steel, SDS2 | Standard for beams, channels and angles |
| IGES (.igs, .iges) | Most 3D CAD programs | 3D parts and special profiles |
| STEP (.stp, .step) | SolidWorks and other 3D CAD | 3D parts and special profiles |
The controller is NC-studio and works with drawings from AutoCAD and SolidWorks as well as the files above.
Part marking and layout lines
Marking is where the laser saves the most time after cutting. The part mark from the model is written on the steel, so parts are identified at assembly without paint or stickers. Layout lines show where stiffeners, cleats and connecting beams sit, which removes manual measuring and scribing at the fit-up table.
Questions
Can the machine read Tekla files directly?
Yes. It imports DSTV (NC1) files exported from Tekla Structures, as well as IGES and STEP 3D files.
What is a DSTV or NC1 file?
It is the standard text format for steel fabrication data, with blocks for the part header, outer and inner contours, holes and marking. Most detailing programs export it.
Are weld bevels included in DSTV files?
Bevel angles are set per edge in the part program before cutting, so they do not have to come from the detailing model.
Can the laser mark part numbers?
Yes. The part mark and fit-up lines are marked by the laser in the same program as the cutting.
Do I need special software to make the files?
No. If your detailing software exports DSTV files for a drill line or plasma cutter, the same files work on the laser.
Send DSTV files for a test cut
Machine specifications and power options: H-beam laser cutting machine. Section dimensions: steel beam size chart.
