GPF files for milling (PartMaker)

About GPF file

You can create a GPF (Generic Program Format) file using a text editor, by exporting data from PartMaker or by using another CAD/CAM program.

The most common uses for GPF files are:

• Repetitive patterns of the most commonly used part features.
• Font files for engraving.
• Interfacing to other CAM/NC systems.

Using GPF files as font files for engraving

• Click the Engrave icon, to display the Engrave Data dialog, where you can enter details of the text or numbers you want to add to the profile group.
• By default, PartMaker uses the font from the font.gpf file in the PartMaker data folder (for example, C:\PartMaker\PM-Swiss\). You can see which font file is loaded in the Font File area of the Engrave Data dialog. Click Browse to load a different file.
• If you want to create your own font file, you must place each character, namely: [A...Z, a-z, 0-9,. ,- ,/] in a separate group named after this character.
  • The size of a character must be based off the height of '0'.

    

  • A character's vertical origin must be along the horizontal axis.

    

  • A character's horizontal origin can be arbitrary.
Tip: The Edit > Convert Notes to Profiles option enables you to create profile groups for engraving and use user-defined fonts, without needing to use .gpf files.

Importing and exporting GPF files

Use the File > Export > GPF File menu option to create a gpf file that contains all groups of part features in the active Face window.

Use the File > Import > GPF File menu option to merge (attach) all groups of part features from a gpf file to the list of groups in the active Face window.