Jump to content

DWG Converters?


RyanSpaulding
 Share

Recommended Posts

Can't Microstation export in 3ds or obj formats too?

I'm using Deep Exploration, Acme CadConverter and TurboCad for converting, as well as an old version of NuGraf/PolyTrans which doesn't read dwg.

TurboCad can read Microstation format too..

Most of the time I just use SketchUp though, which reads most dwg files and exports in formats suitable for Vue.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sketchup eh?

 

Basically, I want to be able to build all in MicroStation, export to DWG, open that file in another program and save it as 1 model that each layer or object can be textured which I then import. As of right now I import benches...then windows...then window frame...then brick...ect. That's lame. I'll give some of those a try.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm not sure if I understood you righht, but if you are exporting your object as one separate object for each material I can see why you're frustrated with your workflow. And then you have to import as single separate objects into Vue? If this is how it works SketchUp would definitely be able to help you a lot. Export your entire layered model and use SketchUp to apply materials. Then export as a single multi-textured object, or as a group. They import fine into Vue, although you'll need to tweak the material settings there. They keep their UV mapping fine though.

As you can use the full version of SketchUp for 8 CPU hours you should be able to test this pipeline before you have to buy anything.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you want to send me a sample DWG, I will run it through PolyTrans which does read DWG now and export it to almost any format of your choice so you can see if it is a viable solution, support at Okino is top knotch, the owner Robert Landsdale will usually reply in person, I highly recommend them. Another reason is that it integrates with a lot of programs so the import/export features are available inside the program, I use it in Viz and XSI, great to have almost any filter available in your software of choice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I cant because Vue doesn't accept DWG. I have to go from DGN (MicroStation) to DWG to 3ds/obj/lwo.

 

I tried SketchUp but it had the same problems. It couldn't read certain geometry in the DWG.

 

It seems that I've corrected the problem by opening the DWG in AutoCAD itself, exporting a DWG with layers, that I'm able to get what I need THAT way. Problem is we dont have ACAD at work...only home. So for the time, I think I'll use this. It just seems to be a problem in translation that only the actual ACad can read and export right.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I suppose Microstation cannot export in any other format than DWG then?

No 3ds, vrml, lwo or obj?

When I have problems reading dwg files it is usually because the author forgot to bind the XREFs, or because they used some plugin, solids, NURBS, splines or something else than straight polylines and faces.

Have you tried to explode your models before exporting?

Exported to different dwg formats?

Tried DXF?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

DXF comes out of MicroStation all messed up. There ends up being triangles where I didn't put them and a lot of bad data. I'm finding a friend of mine can open it in ACad 2006, export as 3ds, and it's all fine. The 3ds imports correctly as one object into Vue!!!!!

 

You have absolutely no idea how happy this makes me and how much easier this makes my life. I no longer have to export each individual item and figure out how to create geometry that worked (much did not like spline surfaces or "mesh headers".

 

Now if I could only figure out the MicroStation to Vue scale factor. Regardless. It's a good day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You can only create .dwgs and .dxf that will convert in properly by changing the export settings in Microstation so that all options under "entity mapping" are set to polyface mesh. (solids are like nurbs and need to be converted to mesh - dxf does not support them and most convertors ignore them.)

You will also need to make sure all elements have no fill - otherwise you will find the mesh doubles up - especially on flat shape elements.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...