How do I convert an autocad 2d to solidworks 3d

[CuttersCov]

I use Maya up at school along with AutoCAD, they recently got Solidworks in. I want to get my 2d autocad drawings turned into 3d models using Solidworks. I read on the internet that you can simply import them and it will convert to 3d automatically. I'm sure it's not as stream lined as this, but can anyone give me a little direction on how to do this?

I've been googling for tutorials on this but not having any luck.

Thanks in advance,

Matt

[JerryFlyGuy]

There is a tutorial in SW that will explain it. You need to bring up the 2d to 3d toolbar. Basically you bring in the 2d drawing and you start orientating corners so that it know's which view is the front and the right and the top. Then you can select geometry to extrude or to extrude cut and build the model. It's by far not automatic and I would only use it for pretty complex geometry. 99% of the time I just re-draw the model as its faster, and the geometry is more usable/changable over the 2d driven model.

YMMV
Jerry

[CuttersCov]

Thanks, Jerry.

I found the tutorial you are talking about. This looks like it will help quite a bit. I drew up a bed frame for my wife in Autocad, I'm hoping I can get this converted by the end of the day. Solidworks is looking really good, maybe I will just drop Autocad altogether.

[JerryFlyGuy]

Originally Posted by CuttersCov Solidworks is looking really good, maybe I will just drop Autocad altogether.

T'is what we did.. basically. We don't get any more of their updates or anything. The only thing I use A-cad for is simple one part layouts for laser cutting or something. I also use it to check sheet layout's where a part needs to be cut from more than 1 sheet. I probably use it 1-2% of the time I'm at work, the rest of the time its SW, and I love it... it was very frustrating at first but over time.. it just keeps getting better...

Jerry

[under-dog]

I usually just use the insert dxf/dwg feature in the sketch mode to directly bring in a dxf to use for a basis for a sketch.

That way you can easily setup your planar relations in the way you want

[JerryFlyGuy]

You certainly can do it this way as well. It depends on how complex your drawing is that your importing.. I find, generally its faster to just re-draw fresh in SW over adding all the needed constraints and having to fight with is to make it work. Generally, I find I'm MUCH faster just re-drawing it over importing it.. [and yes I did time myself on a couple models to see..]

Jerry

[CuttersCov]

Well I don't have to time myself to see that this is a lot faster. I'm doing a toy car model and can't believe how fast it's going. Once I figure out how to align and snap and such I'll be cruising. I tried figuring out Autocads align in 3d and couldn't even grab the sphere at the point I wanted to, it wouldn't snap to a simple quadrant.

I think you're right about redrawing. I drew my CNC machine in Autocad and was going to import and create a 3D model, but it might be faster to just redraw it.

Now if I can export parts from SW to G-Code I'll be all set!

[JerryFlyGuy]

What CAM are you going to use to create the G-code?

You'll have to shoot some pictures when you get a sec, I always love looking at people's models and what they've done w/ SW.

Jerry

[CuttersCov]

I have Mach3, but that only takes the G-Code and runs the machine. I was thinking of the stuff from Vectric because a majority of the stuff is signs. I think we have MasterCam here at school as well. I'll have to double check, but I'm almost positive that's what it is. So if I could run the model through MasterCam here and then run home to put it on my machine that would be cool. I also wouldn't have to buy anything until my company is making some money.

The cnc machines here at school are just little ones, but my machine can be seen here: http://cutterscove.blogspot.com/


LOL, the model I'm working on now is just a toy car from a tutorial. But I am going to model a desk and the bed frame before the day is over. I'm getting a serious kick out of this. I'll post the pics of the furniture to the blog. Probably not the bed frame though, that's a surprise for the wife, but definitely the desk, crib, and dresser I'm going to build next week for our baby that's coming in May.

I think it took a week of AutoCAD tutorials to get to the point I'm at in SW and that's only been a few hours.

[CuttersCov]

Here's the desk I was working on. While it's easier to get into 3d, I found a ton of stuff I was looking for that is in Autocad. More tutorials though and hopefully my questions will get answered.

[CuttersCov]

http://cutterscove.blogspot.com/

My blog goes a little more in detail. I'm getting a book off amazon for SW so I can do some reading at home while not in the lab at school.

[ger21]

Hey, I'm in your blog

If you ever want to come by the house, I can probably increase your AutoCAD proficiency by about 10 times in an hour or 2.