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How to remove interior gaps from traced metal plate designs

A guide for plasma cutter operators to clean traced metal plate designs, remove interior gaps, and compare tools that can help.

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TexHouse is published by the makers of LunarWerx 3D Print, Vector3D and MeshyDL, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Removing interior gaps from traced metal plate designs usually means checking the traced shapes, cleaning unwanted openings, and preparing a usable cutting file.

OptionOptionWhat it doesFee
VectorMagikTraces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine. [1]Can remove selected shapes, merge two shades into one, edit curve nodes, and export vector files. [1] [1] [1]Free for everyone; business use needs a licence (PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0). [1]
Other toolsCheck published details for tracing and editing features.Check published details for shape editing and export support.Not published

What you need before you start

Before removing interior gaps from traced metal plate designs, have the original picture or trace file ready so the shapes can be checked against the source. Keep the intended cutting size and material details available because small openings can affect the finished plate. A viewer that lets you inspect vector shapes is useful for finding gaps between curves. Have a way to edit curve shapes and remove unwanted areas before sending the design to cutting software. Save a copy of the original file before making changes so the first trace remains available for comparison. Check that the final file format matches the needs of the plasma cutter workflow.

Step by step

  1. Open the traced design and inspect every interior area. Look for empty spaces that should be solid metal and separate openings that are part of the intended design.
  1. Compare the traced shapes with the original picture. Decide whether each gap comes from the trace or is an intentional cutout.
  1. Select unwanted interior shapes and remove them from the design. If two shades or areas should become one solid shape, merge them together.
  1. Check the curve paths around the repaired areas. Smooth uneven curves and remove extra points that make the outline harder to cut.
  1. Review the design as a cutting file. Confirm that the remaining openings are intentional and that the outer shape still matches the required plate design.
  1. Export the finished vector file in a format supported by the cutting workflow. Inspect the exported file before production to catch any remaining gaps.

Tools that can do it

Several tools can help with parts of removing interior gaps from traced metal plate designs. The tools here are options, and each does what its source says it does.

VectorMagik is made by the team that publishes this site. It traces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine. [1] You can click shapes to delete them, such as a background, or merge two shades into one. [1] You can move or delete curve nodes and round individual corners after converting. [1]

VectorMagik can save the result as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG. [1] You can compare the vector with the bitmap side by side, or flip between them with B and V keys. [1] It runs in a web browser using the same engine. [1]

Other options should be checked by their published details, especially the editing tools, export formats, and workflow support needed for the cutting process.

Common mistakes to avoid

Removing every interior gap without checking the original design can delete openings that are meant to be cut out. Always compare the traced result with the source image before changing the shape.

Ignoring small curve problems can leave rough edges in the final cut file. Check the converted curves and remove unwanted points before export.

Exporting without reviewing the final file can leave unwanted shapes in the design. Open the exported file and confirm that the remaining spaces match the intended plate design.

Using a trace without checking colour areas can create extra shapes that need cleanup. Review the traced sections before preparing the final cutting file.

Frequently asked questions

How can VectorMagik remove interior gaps from traced designs?

VectorMagik can trace a picture into vector shapes using its own engine. [1] After converting, shapes can be clicked to delete them, such as a background, or merge two shades into one. [1] Curve nodes can also be moved or deleted and individual corners can be rounded. [1]

Can VectorMagik export files for plasma cutting workflows?

VectorMagik can save the result as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG. [1] Checking the required format before export helps match the file to the cutting workflow. The available download platforms include Windows x64, macOS Apple Silicon and Intel, Linux x64, plus a browser version. [1]

How does VectorMagik help check traced shapes before cutting?

VectorMagik lets users compare the vector with the bitmap side by side, or flip between them with B and V keys. [1] This can help review whether the converted shapes match the source picture before preparing the design.

Can VectorMagik limit colours in a traced design?

VectorMagik can limit the result to between 1 and 64 colours. [1] Limiting colours can change how many traced areas appear in the converted result, so the setting should match the design being prepared.

Does VectorMagik have a browser version?

A VectorMagik version runs in the web browser using the same engine. [1] Downloads also exist for Windows x64, macOS Apple Silicon and Intel, Linux x64, plus a browser version. [1] The installation options include a Windows installer, a portable zip, a macOS zip, a Debian/Ubuntu .deb or a Linux tar.gz from GitHub releases. [1]

Free for everyone; business use needs a licence (PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0). [1]

Try VectorMagik

Sources

  1. VectorMagik's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)

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