CAD Files in Maya

[daviniti]

Whats up everyone,

 

How can I import CAD files into maya? everytime i try, i get an error (maya 8). I have bonus tools installed, but i keep getting the error. Any ideas?

 

Also....im new to this ( i am primarily a character modeler) but, is there a software of plugin that will take your cad files, and build the 3D elevations and extruded from that? i know i know, stupid question, but im a newby....

 

thanks for the help eveyone!!

[vTay]

yes friend i'm also getting error when importing DWG files to maya8....i thing you can convert it first to DXF then import it

[daviniti]

I actually tried that...but it only imports wierd pieces, and the scene is still HUGE. There has to be a better way to make this work........frustrating the heck outta me haha

[AJLynn]

Did you try older versions of DWG and DXF? Are these straight Autocad files or are they from one of the specialty packages (ADT, Autodesk Electrical, etc)

[daviniti]

I havent tried an older version. I have heard that Maya 7 shipped with a plugin that seemed to work ok. I have 7 at home, so ill give that a shot tonight. Maybe that will work.

 

I am not sure what type of CAD the files are from..i was thinking just straight up AutoCad. Is there a way to tell other than calling the client?

[richmondlu]

I do this all day..I save the files as 2004 dxf files and they open in wire but then you just have to seperate them and smooth uvs and it works fine. then i just size it to what ever you need just remember maya uses decimals so what i do is convert all my cad drawings into decimals and it works just fine converting in to maya. Hope this helps. If not let me know.

[e3di]

If you are using Maya 8 you need to install direct connect to be able to import acad files. You can get it off autodesks website. I have it installed and it works perfectly.

 

Hope this helps.