Importing AutoCAD wireframe into SW

[luke1201]

I'm having some tubular parts measured with a CMM. The guy told me he'd give me an AutoCAD file with the wireframes of the parts. I don't know what version of AutoCAD yet.

My question is can I bring this into SW and be able to manipulate it and if so, whats the best method. Whats the preferred AutoCAD file type to import (.dwg, .d??).

Can I import it and turn it into a 3D solid object?

I've heard some say that it's too much of a pain and they usually just build it all from scratch in SW. Problem is I have no idea how to get these complex curves into SW, thus why I'm having it CMM'd.

I'd like to be able to make modifications to these wireframes/objects later, and I would really like to do that in SW.

 

[SBaugh]

My question is can I bring this into SW and be able to manipulate it and if so, whats the best method. Whats the preferred AutoCAD file type to import (.dwg, .d??).

What do you desire - Drawing or a part? You get your choice when you do a File/open, change file type to DWG/DXF.

Can I import it and turn it into a 3D solid object?

Not if it's a DXF/DWG or if the file does not solid geometry it will not make it for you. Look in the help on 2D to 3D.

I've heard some say that it's too much of a pain and they usually just build it all from scratch in SW. Problem is I have no idea how to get these complex curves into SW, thus why I'm having it CMM'd.

That's true it is sometimes more of a pain. So if you have complex shapes and you don't know how to get them in, then it sounds to me like you still new to SW. If so, go through the Online tutorial's. Maybe that will help you understand SW better. COmplex shapes can initall created with sketches and turned either into Surfaces which is later created into Solids, or solids can be cut with surfaces to create complex shapes.

I'd like to be able to make modifications to these wireframes/objects later, and I would really like to do that in SW.

Then you need to create sketches (Fully defined with dimensions) then you will have an editable file.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376
faq559-716 - SW Fora Users

 

[MElam]

If the guy could provide solids instead of wireframes, you would be a lot better off. Then he could send an ACIS file for you.

SolidWorks is supposed to support 3Ddxf, but I've never tried it with wireframe.

 

[ctopher]

thread559-116691

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP2.0 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site
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