block problem

[shamus]

Using Autocad 2008, my visual style is 3d hidden. if i import a dwg file as a block and explode the block, why cant i use snaps on the objects. Attached is a copy of the file i've tried to import as a block.

4866

thanks in advance.....

[GhostRider]

I don't think snaps work in that visual mode, they will if you switch to 2d wireframe I believe

[shamus]

Yeah quite right, but it does work in 2004, seems to be a backward move.

[SLW210]

Snaps work fine in my drawings with 3D Hidden VS. But not your drawing.

What was this created with?
I get this when I open your drawing.

[Hedgehog]

Snaps should work in all visual style modes... what it's having problems with is the object is made up of polyface meshes... not dealt with them much (since the old days) but I can't get much to snap onto them despite the numerous grip points.

[shamus]

model was created in xsteel (a 3d cad package) and exported as a dwg file. I understand it could be the file itself but we never had this problem with 2004, which is a bit cionfusing.....maybe its an improvement.

[khama]

Using Autocad 2008, my visual style is 3d hidden. if i import a dwg file as a block and explode the block, why cant i use snaps on the objects. Attached is a copy of the file i've tried to import as a block.

4866

thanks in advance.....

Try this.. If you explode the block and then remake the block, use refedit and explode the block in place and see if that works.. Sometimes when you make the block in another third party program the properties are lost in the transition and sometimes refedit solves these issues.. See if it works.. It seems to work with prosteel and xsteel made blocks..

[shamus]

Hi Khama,

sorry about delay in response. Didnt work, thanks anyway.

What im trying to do is to import a dwg file from xsteel as a block. I then need to explode the block such that i can select each section to hide and un-hide as required. Also I need to have the option to select the grips on each object as a snap. And finally all this with the visuals set to 3d hidden so as to aid the visibility. Maybe I expect too much. lol.

Ta Shaun.....

[khama]

Hi Khama,

What im trying to do is to import a dwg file from xsteel as a block.



Maybe thats it, you are trying to import the file as a block rather than import the file clean unblocked. Import the file exploded and then remake the block in whatever you are trying to edit the file with. Xsteel formats its blocks differently than autocad does, so autocad loses functionality to edit the block proper. If you have already tried this then ignore what I am saying. The quote at the top of the screen is what I am looking at.. Hope this helps.

[SLW210]

Enlighten me on xsteel. Does this just insert structural shapes?

[khama]

Enlighten me on xsteel. Does this just insert structural shapes?

Yes, Xsteel basically has an automated block library of steel shapes that can be attached to workpoint lines pre-drawn. then you can edit them by cutting, splicing, drilling, connecting, welding, bolting, gusset plates, anything that steel shapes require to be 3D made. It also has automated 3D to 2D interface and it is faster and easier to get both 3d and 2d things done. X steel is ok.. not bad,, but Prosteel is the ducks nuts as far as steel shapes go, we create massive structural designs with it and since getting it our companies profits and productivity has gone thru the roof. At the moment we are doing offshore facilities and onshore mining facilities with it and we have 4 major money spending goliaths as clients to service and we are doing it all with 17 staff and 20 computers. Plus process piping and materials handling and major plant upgrades as well.. Great program..

[SLW210]

Yes, Xsteel basically has an automated block library of steel shapes that can be attached to workpoint lines pre-drawn. then you can edit them by cutting, splicing, drilling, connecting, welding, bolting, gusset plates, anything that steel shapes require to be 3D made. It also has automated 3D to 2D interface and it is faster and easier to get both 3d and 2d things done. X steel is ok.. not bad,, but Prosteel is the ducks nuts as far as steel shapes go, we create massive structural designs with it and since getting it our companies profits and productivity has gone thru the roof. At the moment we are doing offshore facilities and onshore mining facilities with it and we have 4 major money spending goliaths as clients to service and we are doing it all with 17 staff and 20 computers. Plus process piping and materials handling and major plant upgrades as well.. Great program..

We use SteelPLUS here. It makes AutoCAD objects, so I have no such problems. When Imported into AutoCAD what does properties call the Objects created by xsteel?