Exporting to SVG Possible? 1

[ESPcomposites]

I am trying out the free version of Pro/E (CreO Elements Direct)

http://www.ptc.com/offers/tryout/pe3.htm

Is there a way to export a picture in a vector graphics format? If I put the solid model in a drawing, I see that I can export as a raster format (gif,jpef,tif,bmp,png), but no vector formats. Any ideas?

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[TCARPENTER1]

Not directly anyway. On the publish tab, select the DXF option and output it as a DXF file. Then, google DXF2SVG - you should come up a number of freebies to get you the SVG you're after.

HTH
Todd

 

[ESPcomposites]

Todd,

I had a look, but can't seem to find a "publish" tab. Perhaps that is a feature not in the free version?

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[TCARPENTER1]

Hi ESPComposites,

Maybe not - I'm on Wildfire 5 (which everybody says Creo is a reskinned version of WF5). How about in the saveas, does it allow you to save different type there or not, or is there a publish feature anywhere maybe in the file pull-down? When I get a chance I'll download Creo and see if I can find anything, won't be until later though...

Todd

 

[ESPcomposites]

Todd,

The "save as" options look pretty skimpy. There are no options to export the solid as IGES, STEP, etc. I am guessing they have removed most of these options, it is free after all.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[looslib]

I do believe the free version does not allow you to print your files or drawings.
It is to be used for evaluation non-commercial use only, so they limited/removed the printing/plotting capability.


"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."

Ben Loosli

 

[TCARPENTER1]

That could be - I started the download but it looks like I'll need to do it at home - takes up too much band width here at the office...

If it's not something real sensitive, you can upload it and I'll see if my version of WF5 will open it and I can spit out a DXF or DWG for you and you can take it from there if you want.

I probably won't have Creo down before this weekend...

 

[ESPcomposites]

You can export Gif,Jpeg, etc. and I think even print. The reason I need a SVG (or other vector format) is that it is for an engineering textbook and need to have good quality and line weight control, etc.

I was just evaluating options to do a simple job like this and someone mentioned the free version of CreO so I thought that might be great. So at this point, I don't even have a model, it is just a test.

But you bring up a good point. I could potentially create everything in the free version and find a nice person (or contract someone) to do the final conversions. At this point, I just want a proof of concept before I commit to using CreO.

I am "old time" ProE guy (versions 10? - 20), but think I can pick up this new system without too much hassle.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[dgallup]

Can you output CGM? That is what we use to get drawings into MS Word. It is a vector format.

 

[ESPcomposites]

Nah, there does not appear to be any flexibility with output. CGM would probably work though.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[mjcole]

Brian,

There are specific Raster - Vector conversion programs that will convert bitmap images to a vector format that are free or at least way cheaper than CREO I used a few of these in the past but don't have the links available. This will get you a vector formatted file.

I found several for
Raster to vector conversion
Bitmap to Vector conversion

on several search engines

I had some fun times with CGMs on Unigraphics v18 for text extrusion.

I believe PTC may offer a Personal Edition of the software as they have done with ProE for years. It costs more than the student edition but it's illegal to use it for Professional Work but exporting a cgm should be okay if you really want to. I suggest trying out your image on a few of the vector conversion softwares and see which works best for your needs.

Michael

 

[ESPcomposites]

Michael,

Thanks for the tip, I did not even know there was such a thing as a converter. There is one in Inkscape that I just tried, but the results are mixed and probably won't ever achieve something as good as a native result.

I will give PTC and see if they can work with me. Solidworks is not *too* bad, but still pretty expensive for a handful of pictures.

If anyone could check to see if the models from the free (personal edition) can be used in the pro then that would be the way to go. I could just pay a small contract fee to convert the models then.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[TCARPENTER1]

Hi Brian,

Finally got Creo installed, and it looks just like WF5, I don't have any models created out of the "free" version so if you've got one you want me to try, I'd be happy to give it a shot...

Todd

 

[ESPcomposites]

Todd,

Can you leave me your contact info via my site? I can send you a model then. Or any model would do. I was just going to send a model of a block anyway. I *think* the way to do it would be to:

- Read in CreO drawing and/or part to WF5 (I wonder if it is compatible?)
- Once in WF5, ideally it would be good to export to a vector format in part/asm mode.
- Otherwise, from the drawing, export to a vector format (SVG, CGM, etc.)
- If there is no WF5 option, then export to DXF. From there, I can see if there is a DXF to SVG converter.

Fingers crossed that something in that mix will work out.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[TCARPENTER1]

Hi Brian,

Sent!

couple of things though, you can't read a new version into an old version - but we should be okay since they're supposed to be the same.

I'll shoot you a couple of different flavors and you can see what works best...

Todd

 

[ESPcomposites]

Todd,

Thanks for all the help. The conclusion seems to be that CreO Direct files are not compatible with the Professional edition files. Therefore, everything must be self contained within CreO or you are out of luck (unless you want to upgrade and they will then convert them for you).

A bummer, but at least I know what to expect.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com