DWG -> 3DS converter?
13 messages in this thread
Is there any such .DWG -> .3DS converter around anywhere? How can I
get DWG files into 3DS format?
— Steve
You have two options for converting DWG to 3DS, but both involve having
AutoCAD:
DXF is the tradtional method. This gives you the most control over mesh
density and gives you more meshing options, although it can be tricky <g>.
AutoVision and/or Visual-Link both write 3DS files directly from AutoCAD.
This mehtod is fairly automatiic but gives you less control over geometry. It
does allow you to include textures and assign mapping coordinates from within
AutoCAD however.
– Phil
thanks for the quick reply Phil. Would it be okay to just go out and buy a
version of, say, AutoCAD LT (lite) for $500 and do the DWG->DXF (or 3DS?)
conversion in there? Will I lose anything by doing the conversion within a
scaled down version of AutoCAD? (LT?)
— Steve
There are many products out there that will convert DWG files to DXF files.
They are sold to AutoCAD users. Check out any issue of Cadence. Once in DXF,
you can import into 3D Studio.
Thanks John. By "sold to AutoCAD users" I suspect you mean that you need
AutoCAD to use these conversion programs. Well, will buying AutoCAD LT off the
shelf work just to serve that purpose? Will I be losing something in the
conversion process if I use the LT version of AutoCAD?
— Steve
Yes, AutoCAD LT loads and saves DWGs, and I believe it exports DXFs, too. I'm
no expert on AutoCAD LT. You might try the AutoCAD Forum, which is a separate
forum from this forum, one menu up and down to the right in cyberspace. 🙂
No, you don't need to buy AutoCAD… I meant that these DWG-to-DXF utilities
are most often marketed to people who used AutoCAD, not people who use 3D
Studio. You might find that these separate utilities cost much less than
AutoCAD LT.
Thanks for taking the time to reply John..
— Steve
Hello Steven,
>>DWG->3DS, AutoCAD LT?…
I have AutoCAD here, and if you just need one or two files converted, I might
be able to do them for you. I don't know anything about AutoCAD LT, although I
heard somewhere it doesn't handle 3D information. Are your DWG files strictly
2D, intended for the Shaper?
Are you still in Greenville? My son Ben is in his last semester at BJU – he
said he's interning with some company (he didn't say who) in Greenville doing
3DS work.
JKJ
Hi! No thanks about the ACAD files.. It's not that urgent and I'd like to
find a local solution anyway.
Yes, I am still in Greenville. I am a senior now in the University. I will
graduate in May. I've met and talked with Ben on some occasions… He seems to
be settling in well. How does he like his new 3DS job? <g> (wish I had it
that easy!)
I'm going to be "teaching" for one class period in our computer science seminar
class about the wonders of 3D (I'll be using 3DS from start to finish of
course!). It's going to be pretty exciting as I enjoy every opportunity I get
to demonstrate 3DS. I'll make it look REAL good .. comparing it to other
inferior brands <g>… Well, take care!
— Steve
Steve, did you notice the DWG-DXF conversion program recently uploaded to the
libs here? SYLZIP.ZIP I haven't tried it, but it sounds like it might do what
you need.
JKJ
Yep, just downloaded it.. will try it out. Thanks
— Steve
Steve…
There are a couple that I use. First of all you can import dwg files into 3D
Studio using the DXF format. Same the files using Binary DXF whenever
possible.
There is also something Adesk used to sell called Visual Link. (I believe it
may have been replaced with a new product.) Anyway, it is not that tough to
load files from ACAD R12 into 3DS. We do it at my firm many times a day.
Hope that helps a little.
Dan Biggs, Digital Design Simulations (San Diego)
Thanks for the help Dan..
— Steve