topic Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G in Libraries & objects

What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a GSM?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Feb 2005 22:40:39 GMT

What is the process to convert an AutoCAD and .MAX models into a GSM?

The reason that I'm asking is that there are some manufactorers websites that offer AutoCAD object models that I'd like to bring into ArchiCAD. There are also sites like www.mr-cad.com that have extensive 3D model libraries that would be great if we could use the object models in ArchiCAD. Many of these models are in .MAX format.

Thank you,
John

BTW I am looking for a ArchiCAD 3D model of a modern freestanding ovalish bathtub.

Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G

Link — Thu, 10 Feb 2005 23:34:09 GMT

File>GDL Objects>Open Object, then go and select your 3D dwg.

Cheers,
Link.

Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 01:01:16 GMT

Link wrote:
File>GDL Objects>Open Object, then go and select your 3D dwg.

Cheers,
Link.

Link,
That worked for the .DWG objects. Is there a way to open/import the .max objects?

You know that you are welcomed on our sunny shores anytime. Today the sky is blazing blue, the water is warm and I'm stuck in the office.

As always, Thanks for your help.
John

Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G

Link — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 02:59:00 GMT

Thanks mate

Just let me know who needs training and a powerful CAD Template and I'll be on the next boat. Did you happen to catch the latest Envisons article?: http://www.graphisoft.com/community/envisions/2005_02_link.html

Check your Goodies folder mate, there's a 3D Studio In add on that'll knock your socks off.

Cheers,
Link.

Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 04:39:04 GMT

Link,
Thanks for all of the help. The article on you looks interesting. I'm sure it will fill in the, "Who is this guy" question.

I'm playing around a bit with the File>GDLObjects>Open Objects. I've had sucess opening and placing a .dwg drawing given to us by a client.

Now I'm looking for a 3D autocad model to open. I thought that I had found a .DGW model on on the Objects Online site where they are offering a "USALavatory" for AutoCAD. They don't seem to work with the File>GDLObjects>Open Objects.

The other object that I'm trying to open has a .MAX extension. I got it from www.mr-cad.com. I've haven't been able to do anything with that.

Do you know where I could find a simple .dwg 3D object model and simple .3ds (studio max) model that I could use to practice with?

Thank you,
John

Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G

Link — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 04:43:54 GMT

Attached is a simple DWG & DXF box. You should be able to get plenty of everything at http://www.3dcafe.com

Cheers,
Link.

Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G

Djordje — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 06:28:47 GMT

AFAIK only max reads .max

Therefore, find a good soul somewhere near that has max, and ask him to save as 3ds.

Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G

Ben Odonnell — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 07:47:19 GMT

John ,
As Djordje said, you will need 3DS Max to be able to open *.max files.

Then they can be saved out as 3DS files. How may files do you have? If it's not too may I can help. Just zip them and send them to ben.odonnell@lasercad.se and I'll see what I can do for you.

Cheers.
Ben

Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 21:47:57 GMT

Link wrote:
Attached is a simple DWG & DXF box. You should be able to get plenty of everything at http://www.3dcafe.com

Cheers,
Link.

Link,
When I tried opening the DWG and DXF files I got three dialog boxes that asked for the location of ltypeshp.shx. When each of the files opened they were 2D line drawings. Was these supposed to be a 3D models?

Do you have a 3D dwg file that I could try opening?

Would you demystify something for me? I've been told that DWG can be 2D and 3D. I've also been told that DXF is only 2D but a more compact file than a DWG. What can DWGs and DXFs do?

Thanks,
John

Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G

Link — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 21:56:37 GMT

They were definitely both 3D files. You need to use the method I described above.

File>GDL Objects>Open Object, then go and select your 3D dwg.

Don't worry about the shx files, they are AutoCAD's equivalent of fonts. Skipping them will do no harm in this case.

DXF's and DWG's can both be 2D or 3D and can be used to create wonderful 2D drawings, and 3D models. Both usually come directly from AutoCAD. DWG's are the native file format of the dreaded program. DXF's are simply another format (data exchange format to be concise) and they are actually text files, so you can open them with a word editor and make manual translations that way if you want to prove yourself as a true geek. The usual conversion process into ArchiCAD can be quite limiting - you often won't get the results you're after, especially when it comes to materials.

I'm sure people like Stefan or Djordje or Ben could give you more informative advice in this particular area.

Cheers,
Link.

Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 22:26:08 GMT

Link,
Thank you for your patience. Yes, now that I followed your instructions (File>GDLObjects>Open Objects) the files opend as 3D.

If I get a whole house 3D model in DWG or DXF is there any way that I can open it in ArchiCAD that preserves the operability of the component parts (walls, windows, etc.) or am I stuck with one single object when opening a DWG/DXF 3D model?

Thank you,
John

Re: What is the process to convert an AutoCAD model into a G

Link — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 22:29:51 GMT

No way mate. It's going to be a dumb (so to speak) object!

You are setting sail on the great expanse between CAD applications. Bon Voyage!

Cheers,
Link.