CYCAS - Cad program
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Cycas might not suit everybody but it's an interesting easy to use cad app with parametric wall and opening tools and there is a free version. It uses Pov-Ray for rendering and exports dxf. Cycas runs on Windows or Linux.
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Good morning Jon,
So, you're an early bird too. I have been up for the last few hours watching the launch of the ATV and the early flight stuff.
I have been using Sketchup for the past few months to mass model mechanical parts before using Inventor 11 to detail the parts. Because of the drawing precision offered by Sketchup it should be possible to export to Inventor, and then to re-build the model for final 2-D draughting. The problem is Inventor requires file formats .sat, .stp (.ste, .step}, .igs (.ige, .iges).
I have you come across a file converter that will convert the 3D output from Sketchup?
Kind regards,
Bob -
Dear Jon,
I am not too up on file types, but aren't .dwg and .dwf 2D file formats?
I can import a 3D surface model (typically .sat or .iges) into Inventor and then use it as a template for creating the solid model. A .dwf file imports as a 2D projection, which can be useful in some cases, but not what I'm after.
Have you got a deadline to meet, or do you like that peaceful time between 5 am and 9 am?
Kind regards,
Bob -
@unknownuser said:
So, you're an early bird too.
Yes I've been up since 5 a.m. I'm supposed to be working.
I don't know anything about the file formats you mention but I'll have a go at finding a converter. Give us a few minutes
Alternatively, could you export your SU model as a dxf or dwg and then convert it?
edit:
I found this, its shareware, not free but presumably you'll get 30 days use or something like that. http://www.sofotex.com/IMSI-CAD-View-and-Convert-Plus-download_L46165.html -
Dear Jon,
Thanks and good luck! I too have a deadline, but it's the end of March.
Regards,
Bob -
End of March! Well you may as well go back to bed for now!
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Well dwg will hold 3d surfaces but if Inventor is anything like Autocad you might have to tidy up the model a bit once you've imported it. Alternatively you could try exporting as 3DS file, the program below will convert 3ds for inventor.
The workflow issue you might have, and I'm guessing here, is that Inventor (if it's similar to Autocad) might be more suited to solid modelling data, not surfaces/faces like SU.
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Science-CAD/3DS-Import-for-Inventor.shtml
I'm not in any way an expert on file types though, I'm sure somebody here will give you some better advice.
I'm always up early, definately the best part of the day, but yes, I do have a deadline for tomorrow, not too pressurised though.
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