AutoCAD IGES & Surface Intersection

[jmcgurk01]

I am working on a 3D model which inputs text files containing coordinates of plastic bottles. The file is read and the model shows a viewable bottle. As of now I use a LISP routine that will output the coordinates of a polyline into a text file. Completely two dimension. I have an IGES file of each bottle that shows true contour (better than just rotating the polyline). I want to draw a vertical plane that "cuts" the IGES bottle. The IGES is created with many surfaces...I want to create a polyline where the plane and these surfaces intersect and grab those coordinates. Ultimately I want to rotate this plane every, lets say 5 degrees, and output the coordinates where it intersects the IGES bottle surfaces. I am completely stumped and I know it is not easy but if anyone could help I would apreciate it very much. Thank you for reading this (I wish I knew how to explain it in less words!)
**My company is currently using R14, Solidview, IDEAS, and other advanced software of the such.

 

[RiBeneke]

You first need to create a User Coordinate System for each cut you wish to do. The XY plane of the USC must be your cutting plane.

Then use a command like Section to create a region that outlines your cross-section. I think this command was standard only in AutoCAD 2000 on, but there was an add-on version for earlier releases.

You can explode the region to lines and arcs, then recombine as a polyline. Or retrace the region as a polyline.

 

[jmcgurk01]

Do you know of any software or even macros that will output the coordinates of an IGES file? I think that might be even easier, and enough points to plot it with my model. Thanks for your help.

 

[h1954]

Hi
I think a way to do this is importing the IGES file into Rhino3D and create section every 5 degrees from the model and then export it as autocad file to use the lisp routine that you have.
Rhino is such a good program for sectioning or creating profiles in any direction , vertical, horizontal or diagonal.
If you would like you can send me the model in discusion

Humberto Garcia
Canada
h1954@sympatico.ca