CompuServe Thread

#DXF to Modeler Convert?

5 messages in this thread
#18898From: Patrick DohertySep 21, 1990 10:15 AM
Hello! I would like to be able to import AutoCad 2-D building floor plans into my 3-D modeler programs ( VS-3D,Modeler,Sculpt4-D), extrude the outlines and animate a tour through the results. I have Interchange and InterFont. The cad programs I use are Aegis Draw 2000, and UltraDesign. UltraDesign can import DFX files ( sort of ) but cannot save to Aegis 2000 format. Aegis is my prefered pathway since Modeler is better suited for presision work than Sculpt. I would ultimately like to animate the walk though tours in Sculpt 4-D. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank You, Patrick 71131,413
#18909From: John PendergrassSep 21, 1990 11:23 PM
There is a DXF converter program (commercial) called 'ACAD Translator', published by Access Technogies. ($179 list)… It converts to Sculpt and Videoscape formats, if I remember right. I tried it when it first came out, and it had some problems converting many 'simple' (I thought) DXF files, but maybe it has been improved since then? Does anyone else have any direct experience with it? I would think that the 2D plans would be simpler to translate than the 3D stuff, but am not sure. Maybe John Foust knows for sure? –jp–
#18957From: Patrick DohertySep 24, 1990 10:28 AM
Thanks for the pointer. Patrick 71131,413
#18956From: SyndesisSep 24, 1990 10:27 AM
Call Syndesis at (608) 455-1422 and ask about the DXF Module for InterChange and InterFont. It converts DXF files to any InterChange-supported format, and it also writes both 2D and 3D DXF files, if you need to go back to AutoCAD or any program that can import DXF. So, yes, you could use it to convert DXF output to VideoScape format, translating pen numbers to InterChange textures and colors, animate and tinker in Modeler, VideoScape and Lightwave, then move the files back into your CAD program, if you want. If your plans are only 2D, you'll need to extrude them by hand in Modeler, of course. If you've added elevation and thickness information in the 2D file, as you can with true AutoCAD, then the Module will automatically make 3D polygons for you.
#18958From: Patrick DohertySep 24, 1990 10:32 AM
The DXF module sounds like exactly what I need. Thank You Patick