DFX issue

[BBchevy396_]

I'm having issues saving 3d models in a dxf format, so that others can open them in other cad programs, and still retain the model.
Which should I use? r12? r12 natural, r12 lines & arcs? When they are opened, (even in Rhino) most of the model is gone, or smooshed up into one corner.

These are models with surfaces and polysurfaces. Do I need to change them? Explode them? mesh them?

Getting kind of frustrated, as I cant seem to email a valid 3d model file to my Metal processing/forming supplier.I believe he is trying to open them in Solidworks, and Autocad, or perhaps another program, I'm not sure.

Do I need to save the models in a different format entirely?
Thanks for any help, I'm a bit of a Rhino noob.

[BurrMan]

You should use a different format.. For solidworks, try the STEP format.. Even more generic would be IGES, which should carry "Curves" better...

Save the format, then open it back up in Rhino to see if everything is there..

Rhino can save a bunch of various data that isnt compatable with various formats.. Like it can work with polygon data too...

Make sure you are trying to send NURBS data through the STEP or IGES file to solidworks.. Polygon data will most likely need to go as STL for a machinist.

[flyinchips]

DXF is an old format. It was intended to exchange 2D drawing information. As BurrMan has mentioned, you can use STEP, or IGES to provide 3D information to your fabricator.

There is an add on for Rhino that will directly save in SolidWorks formats. If you want to be fancy, you can get a copy of that and save directly as a solid part.

[BBchevy396_]

Come to find out, after too much screwing around, they only have Autocad, and needed dxf, or dwg files.

I eventually opened the rhino dxf file (after exploding), in my autocad, and saved them in autocad in 2 dxf formats, and a dwg.
Ultimatley, they were only able to get the .dwg to retain the complete model.

Even the dxf's SAVED with autocad, even though they worked fine in mine, wouldn't work in theirs.

It was quite frustrating. I commented that they needed to upgrade to a software that would accept more file formats. (hint,hint Rhino). The CAD guys response was that they had alot of trouble like this in the past, and a number of other customers also gave Rhino the thumbsup.

Thanks for the help guys.