Extract text from CNC fabrication files (NC1)
To convert NC1 fabrication files to another format, you need Tekla Structures or other Cad software.
To convert other file formats to the "CNC Machine Data File" file type, you need software like Tekla Structures or a similar tool.
The .NC1 file extension is primarily used for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) steel fabrication data adhering to the DSTV standard. These files contain exact geometric data - such as length, profile definitions, and drill hole coordinates - instructing heavy industrial machines on how to cut, drill, and weld steel beams. A secondary use is as a Numerical Control file generated by Mastercam.
The major disadvantage of an .NC1 file is its extreme technical specialization. Under the hood, it is a raw ASCII text file filled with coordinates and G-code. You cannot double-click it on a standard Windows or macOS machine to visualize the physical steel beam. Viewing the actual geometry requires highly specialized, expensive software like Tekla Structures or a dedicated DSTV viewer. This creates high friction when sharing fabrication plans with project managers, clients, or engineers who do not have access to a costly CAD/CAM software license.
To review structural designs or share them across teams, you need to convert the .NC1 file into an accessible format. For 2D drafting and layout review, convert to DXF. For 3D modeling and integration into wider architectural plans, convert to DWG or STEP. For simple document sharing, quoting, and archiving, convert to PDF.
Convert.Guru analyzes your NC1 file, detects the exact format, and lets you read the text inside.
Users also converted NC, DXF, CNC, DWG, XSR, PNG, TTF, STEP, PDF, H5P, ENC, TXT and SLDPRT files.
If you want to convert NC1 file to DXF, STEP, DWG, PDF, DGN, RVT, RFA, SKP, 3DM, IGES, SAT or X_T, you can use Tekla Structures or similar software from the "CNC Machine Fabrication Instructions" category. In the File menu, look for Save As… or Export….
To convert SLDASM, DGN, PRT, IAM, X_B, CATPRODUCT, SLDPRT, RVT, ASM, DWG, CATPART or DXF files to NC1, try Tekla Structures or another comparable tool in the "CNC Machine Fabrication Instructions" category.
The history of Convert.Guru began over 25 years ago in California with Tom Simondi’s file-format database. A former contributor to Space Shuttle development and a software pioneer of the 1980s, Simondi established a trusted resource for file type analysis that was even referenced by Microsoft Windows XP. Today, we use modern technology to process and convert thousands of file formats while continually improving our NC1 converter.