Can I use AutoCAD?

Discussion in 'Design and Modeling' started by 220071_deleted, Sep 26, 2012.

  1. Hi,
    Can I use AutoCAD to create a design file for use here on Shapeways? If yes, I'm assuming it'd have to be converted into a format other than AutoCAD's file format (dwg), so what would that be?

    Thanks for your help!

    Cheers,
    Brian
     
  2. Youknowwho4eva
    Youknowwho4eva Well-Known Member
    Using AutoCAD, you should be able to export STL or Collada, both acceptable file formats for uploading to Shapeways.
     
  3. Thanks Michael! But I was hoping to hear from someone who has actually had success with an AutoCAD file. I don't want to embark down a road that leads to a dead end.

    FYI: An AutoCAD file can be saved as .dxf, or exported as .dwf, .dxx, .eps, .sat, .stl, and .wmf.
     
  4. JACANT
    JACANT Well-Known Member
    Most of my models including my Chess Set were designed in AutoCad. You just have to make sure everything is a solid by performing 'boolean' commands. Then just export as an stl file.
     
  5. Thanks Jacant!
     
  6. JACANT
    JACANT Well-Known Member
    There's a few things you should know before you export. It will give you a smoother model instead of it being faceted. Just type these on the command line.
    facetres 10
    isolines 0
    dispsilh 1