Importing a 3d surface into Autocad...

[maxwellbests]

Hi all

 

I made a 3d surface model in Rhino 3d, saved as a .dwg. I then imported that into Autocad 2009 via block. However, once I had placed it into my ACAD drawing, despite acad being able to "see" it, it appears not to "work". Ie, I can click on it, its there, but doesnt show up in render etc. Cannot assign a layer to it. What is the best format to import a model into ACAD, to retain its orignial attributes?

 

Thanks

[Rsblades]

have you tried attaching it as an xref?

 

i don't know much about working with 3d in cad except with surfaces that are associated with a survey file but it seems to me like you should be able to attach it as an xref if it is saved as a .dwg then maybe bind it so it is associated with the drawing you are working in?

[maxwellbests]

Will give it a try. Thanks

[Cad64]

After inserting it as a block, Explode it. Then you should be able to work with it. As long as it's a block you won't be able to do anything with it.

 

Or, post the dwg file here, if you can't get it to work. As long as it doesn't exceed the file size limit.

[maxwellbests]

More good stuff to try (actually cant get to it, I am here at my day job). Thanks to all, keep em coming!

[Rsblades]

After inserting it as a block, Explode it. Then you should be able to work with it. As long as it's a block you won't be able to do anything with it.

 

Or, post the dwg file here, if you can't get it to work. As long as it doesn't exceed the file size limit.

 

that was my second idea if the first failed after bind haha. but if the file contains any attributes wont those attribues be lost if he uses "explode"?

[Cad64]

but if the file contains any attributes wont those attribues be lost if he uses "explode"?

 

Why would a 3D model have attributes?

[maxwellbests]

Attributes? Maybe not the best terminology. Properties perhaps?

[Cad64]

A Block is just a container. Exploding it will not hurt the model.

[maxwellbests]

Hi guys

 

Found that importing and the exploding it allows Autocad to see the geometry. Alas, Autocad doesnt appear to recognise the surfaces. If someone knows different let me know.

[Danny]

Save as a .dxf from rhino than import it in acad..done. I do this alot both into Inventor and acad 08. No problems with geometry. Is there work related reasons you need it in acad, perhaps to join with a acad project. I ask this because the only reason I would leave Rhino when dealing with a model is because I have to. Rhino has far more 3d capabilities than any version of autocad. If I was you bring what your working on in acad into Rhino. I use acad everyday however for modeling Rhino wins hands down !

[maxwellbests]

Hi Danny

 

Yes, Rhino wins hands down for 3d modeling. However, I am a student learning different packages, working in Autocad for an assignment, finding that limited of course when compared to a dedicated package like rhino for 3d modeling. Much better off doing stuff in Rhino and then importing into Autocad, clunky beast that it is.

[Danny]

Hi Danny

 

Yes, Rhino wins hands down for 3d modeling. However, I am a student learning different packages, working in Autocad for an assignment, finding that limited of course when compared to a dedicated package like rhino for 3d modeling. Much better off doing stuff in Rhino and then importing into Autocad, clunky beast that it is.

 

 

Agreed, Alot of old skool autocad users don't like the change, Hense they don't like the interface of Rhino. I must admit it was tough getting used to, However its worth the work. Max is a pretty good meduim between Rhino and Straight Acad, There are free trials out there, If you get a chance give that a try, This is a full version trial for 30 days, I'm on like day 10 and I am really impressed. Took to it very quickly.