3D Graphics

[Ropdoc]

I need to save up and get the DXF Importer. I would love to see samples of your work forSolidworks thru the DXF importer. Maybe we should start a new thread. I will also do a search.

Thank you,
Dave

Ropdoc, I have limited experience with SW but have the STL importer. With that tool its easy to import 3D models into Designer for carving. I just did a 3D revolved and contoured base that I imported than added text and carved objects onto the revolve. Quite powerful with impressive results. IMHO, SW is quite useful for use with the CW. Joe

[kool69sporty]

Ropdoc, this is a work in progress but gives some idea of the process. I created a simple revolve in SW and brought it into Designer with STL importer. The project I'm planning is a carved base for a turned wooden goblet. I wanted to embellish the base as opposed to a smooth turning. I'll have to glue up the pieces and am also thinking ahead to the EZB rotary attachment for carving the stem as well. Joe

[eelamb]

RopDoc, I think you are looking at the wrong program to purchase. Kool69sporty is talking of STL importer, NOT DXF importer. STL importer imports 3d designs into designer. The DXF is (I believe) what you would call wireframe, and makes vector lines in designer.

[Ropdoc]

So if I created a model in Solidworks and wish to import it as a 3D solid I would use STL importer, making sure that I save it from Solidworks as a DXF file. Now does that mean that I could take a 3D model, lets say a person. Scale it up to maybe 4 feet tall. Slice it into 3/4" thick slices, cut the slices and then glue then all together. A little sanding. And there you have a Solidwood 4' tall figure.

If I wanted to import an 2D AutoCAD drawing into Designer I would use DXF importer making sure that I save the AutoCAD file as DXF. And with that I could then create complex and accurate cut paths similar to scroll cuts.

This is all awesome !! My problem is that I have to choose between eating, paying bills or buy software. Well right now eating is most important. But I look forward to every morning being able to go into Carvewright's forum and see the AWESOME thing all of you can do. And then when it is time for me to buy software. I can reflect back on you guys. But now I understand the use of the software. Thank you very very much.

Dave

RopDoc, I think you are looking at the wrong program to purchase. Kool69sporty is talking of STL importer, NOT DXF importer. STL importer imports 3d designs into designer. The DXF is (I believe) what you would call wireframe, and makes vector lines in designer.

[dbfletcher]

STL importer, making sure that I save it from Solidworks as a DXF file.

You mean save it as a STL.... but the rest is correct. And dont forget, you can get away without having the DXF importer if you can save your vectors (2d drawings) as an Adobe Illustrator 8.0 format using AI2PMC. They are both worth getting, but if you can only get one, I would go for the STL cuz there is a decent workaround for the dxf importer.

[bergerud]

What may be confusing is that the DXF format can be 2D or 3D. I save drawings in my 2D drawing program as DXF and use the DXF importer. I also create 3D surfaces in a math program and export them as DXF. In the later case, I have to convert them to STL using another program before the STL importer. 3D DXF files cannot be directly imported into the Carvewright software.

[Ropdoc]

Thank you dbfletcher for the catch. I tried to keep it straight.

Now I have the whole ADOBE suite. Just do not know how to use it, and I get overwhelmed when I try to figure it out. But in the package you are saying is Illustrator that will allow me to save the DXF format lines so I can open them in Designer to use as cut paths and so on. Do you know if I can import and AutoCAD drawing saved as DXF and open it in Illustrator? I will try and make time tonight to test it. Thank you for your patience in all these questions.

Dave

You mean save it as a STL.... but the rest is correct. And dont forget, you can get away without having the DXF importer if you can save your vectors (2d drawings) as an Adobe Illustrator 8.0 format using AI2PMC. They are both worth getting, but if you can only get one, I would go for the STL cuz there is a decent workaround for the dxf importer.