[rlackey]

I have a quick question for anyone out there that uses AutoCAD 2004.

I am busy modelling some components that I want to have machined, however in order to extrude a 2D profile into a 3D solid, the outline needs to be one closed object. This is fine, but in order to do this I need to join different line and curve segments. Some are polylines, others are splines, and all ends are touching but it won't join a spline to a polyline, and I can't seem to convert a spline to a polyline either (which I don't really want to anyway as the spline is a way more accurate curve).

So what now? In this day and age of computer modelling I can hardly believe this is such a problem. I'm hoping it's my ignorance or something simple I am overlooking.

Oh, I tried creating a region too but it wouldn't do that either.

I hope someone can come to my rescue!

Rich

[luckyscustomcreation]

Have you tried to do it in Pro E or solid works. They are the best 3d programs out there.

[Kevin45]

Rich...do you have all of your lines in the same workplane. If not then it won't convert. And to machine the part remember that a spline is usually used for curves and a polyline is usually used for more straight lines moves. For example if I am doing a series of point to point moves I will use a polyline but when I cut a parabulum and want a smooth surface I use a spline so when your coordinates are converted it will let the cutter move in one smooth motion. That probably does not answer your question though. So back to my original answer. Make sure you have all of your coordiantes on the same workplane which should be in the XZ plane you are converting in 3D. 2D usually is in the XY plane. Also after reading your question again, try joining the polyline / spline qith a small straight line between the two. It might be trying to convert on to the other without a buffer in between.
Also I found this in a search if it is any help: http://www.cadpanel.com/for_download...tocad_2004.htm
http://www.coe.uncc.edu/mosaic/mosai...p/autocad2004/
http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1566

Kevin

[rlackey]

Originally Posted by luckyscustomcreation

Have you tried to do it in Pro E or solid works. They are the best 3d programs out there.

Well, that shows how out of touch I am with the industry at large, I've never really heard of those. Oh well, what I have is AutoCAD 2004 so that's what I'm going to use, really, it should be more than capable as it remains a industry heavyweight even if there are other programs out there.

I also use Rhino 3D which is far better than AutoCAD for NURBS modeling, but my trial version has expired so that's out the window.

I use Discreet 3D Studio Max for animation, and it's good for modeling too, I don't think it's used in engineering much, more for games and film special effects but it also works wonders. It has much better rendering, materials and lighting, so something modeled in AutoCAD can be animated and rendered photo-real in 3DS Max. Funnily enough Discreet is also Autodesk, but trying to get AutoCAD and 3DS Max to talk to each other has also proven to be a nightmare.

Kevin, I'll check out the link and also try using small straight polylines as transition segments, but I still have a hard time believing that is necessary.

I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks

Rich

[rlackey]

Okay, panic over! It turns out the ends of the lines weren't quite touching (although I had to zoom all the way in to see this... that's like 0.000001" or something rediculous). In the end I made a region, it still wouldn't join the lines but it's fine, it worked.

Yay!

Rich

[mrtimstik]

Used Autocad for about 5 years building plastic injection molds and production automation equipment and now use Solidworks for about a year and will never go back. You can download a trial version of Solidworks to see it work. It really is very easy to adapt from Autocad. Even if you have .dxf or .dwg from Autocad you can import these into Solidworks and manipulate away. It's worth a look because I think it's the way of the future.

[302 Z28]

The high end CAD programs like Microstation SE and AutoCad require extended use in order to be proficient at them. I have been using Microstation at my work for over 10 years and I still run across things it will do that I have not been aware of.

Vince

[rlackey]

I agree, but I'm finding AutoCad to be quite easy to pick up. Lots of little utilities to help make nuts and bolts and fasteners, even gears, so I'm quite happy with it.

Thanks for the input!

Rich

Oops, just thought I'd post a picture with my latest progress. This is one of the two rails that will carry the main roof section.