Export DSTV NC1 for Fabrication
Download DSTV NC1 ASCII files per part mark — the standard format for CNC beam processing machines in Europe.
Export DSTV NC1 for Fabrication
DSTV NC1 is the standard file format that steel fabricators use to load your drawings directly into their CNC machines. FrameAI generates NC1 files automatically from your model — no manual transcription needed.
Before you start
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Access | Pro account or higher |
| File format | NC1 (DSTV 7th edition ASCII) |
| Prerequisite | At least one steel member with a connection detail |
| Time | ~5 minutes |
Step 1 — Open your model in Studio
frameai-structural.polsia.app/studio and select your job.
Step 2 — Open the Export panel
Click **Export** in the top toolbar, then select **DSTV NC1**.
Step 3 — Choose which beams to include
Select individual beams or click **All steel members** to export the entire model.
Step 4 — Set the NC1 variant
DSTV NC1 comes in three regional variants. Ask your fabricator which one they use:
| Variant | Common in |
|---|---|
| STahlbau (STAHL) | Germany, Austria, Switzerland |
| Kompakt | Netherlands, Belgium |
| PCBP | UK, Scandinavia |
Step 5 — Download and send
Click **Download NC1**. FrameAI packages all selected members into a single .nc1 file (or a .zip for multiple files).
Send the file to your fabricator — they load it into their CAM software or CNC machine directly.
What you should see
A downloaded .nc1 (or .zip) file containing:
- All beam marks matching your part schedule
- Hole positions from your connection details
- Cut angles and end preparations
- Profile dimensions and steel grade
Common problems
**"Fabricator can't open the file"**Confirm which NC1 variant they use. STAHLBAU, Kompakt, and PCBP have subtly different formatting — wrong variant means garbled output in their CAM software.
**"Missing beams in export"**FrameAI only exports members where the material is marked as "steel". Check: Studio → Members → material column. If a member shows "concrete" or "unknown", correct it and re-export.
**"Wrong hole positions"**Your connection library may be outdated. Go to Studio → Settings → Connections and make sure your standard connection details (end-plate, base plate, apex) are loaded and up to date.
**"NC1 export button greyed out"**You need at least one steel member with a connection detail assigned. Open any steel member in the model, assign a connection type (e.g., "beam-to-column moment"), and the export button will activate.
What's next?
Export to Fabrication — full fabrication package including BOM and shop drawings
Run Eurocode Calculations — verify member utilisation before exporting