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IndustryArena Forum > CAM Software > Uncategorised CAM Discussion > Importing 3D from AutoCAD 2000
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
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    118

    Importing 3D from AutoCAD 2000

    I'm trying to determine which software to use for my first efforts with a Taig CNC system. I'm new to both machining and CNC.

    MeshCAM looks like it might have the functionality I need, so I installed and registered the demo version this evening. I encountered a problem right away when attempting to import an AutoCAD 2000 DXF file. The file contains the image below, an AutoCAD solid.

    When I try to open the file, MeshCAM produces the following error:

    "The file contained no polygons. Be sure that the file was created using 3D faces. Please see the manual for more information."

    I went back to the GRZ software site, but haven't found a manual. How can I fix this? I'd like to evaluate this program before the current sale expires in two more days.

    Thanks!


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    If it's a solid model, you need to export an .stl from AutoCAD. The only way to get an AutoCAD .dxf into MeshCAM, is to create your model with mesh surfaces, NOT solids.

    Before exporting the .stl, set the FACETRES variable to 10. This is important!
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
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    118
    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    The only way to get an AutoCAD .dxf into MeshCAM, is to create your model with mesh surfaces, NOT solids.
    I'm sorry to say, I don't know how to do that. Wow, there's a pretty steep learning curve to all this. Guess I'll miss the sale.

    :drowning:

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    35538
    It appears your model is a solid, so use File > Export, and choose .stl format (Lithography)

    Meshcam should load it fine. Don't forget to set facetres as I mentioned above.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Quote Originally Posted by noisillator View Post
    Guess I'll miss the sale.

    :drowning:
    I'm pretty sure the sale will be extended.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Posts
    118
    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    I'm pretty sure the sale will be extended.
    Excellent! I just borrowed a book on AutoCAD 2000 with a large section on meshes. Shouldn't take too long to generate a mesh object like the previous solid for evaluation. Thanks for your help!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    You don't need to use meshes, just export the solid as an .stl

    It's usually far easier and faster to model using solids, unless you're really, really good. Really good.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Posts
    118
    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    You don't need to use meshes, just export the solid as an .stl

    It's usually far easier and faster to model using solids, unless you're really, really good. Really good.
    You know, I tried that yesterday, but got an error from AutoCAD. It was really late, so I didn't spend more time with it. After reading your suggestion today, I tried this quickly at work, and it went off without a hitch. I have now resolved the error at home, and imported the STL into MeshCAM. Many thanks for your help; I'll make a decision on this quickly. :banana:

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