Converting MEP 3d drawings to standard AutoCAD 2d drawings

[glenn.jones]

Is there a simple way of converting AutoCAD MEP 2010 3D duct, pipe, equipment... to a standard AutoCAD 2D drawing? We get a lot of AutoCAD files from different firms that we need to convert for in-house use as Facilities Record drawings.

[Keith.Brown]

If you click on the big A and choose export and then Autocad you can export the drawing to a 2D drawing that is able to be opened by autocad.

[jcampbell924]

Glenn,

If you are trying to use vanilla AutoCAD you will need to make sure that you have the object enablers loaded.  You can then either load the AecArchXOE.cuix or from the command prompt issue the command -exporttoautocad.  This command will allow you to set various options like binding, file version, and filename.  I use a lisp that I created so that we can script all of this through an application like script pro.  The one thing to know about the export command is that it all depends on what view orientation you have the file in.  So for example if you are in a SE Isometric view of an AutoCAD MEP and perform the export it will create 3D AutoCAD solids.  When you are in a plan view you will get 2D geometry. 

Jeff

[glenn.jones]

Unfortunately this does not work with 2010. There is no export option to .dwg file format. Is there a format that you would suggest to make this work?

[jcampbell924]

What part did not work for you?  We run AutoCAD MEP 2010 x64 and AutoCAD 2010 x64 and can export just fine. 

[Anonymous]

doesn't work!

[jcampbell924]

Do you have the AutoCAD MEP\ACA object enabler loaded for AutoCAD?  When performing the "-exporttoautocad" command from vanilla AutoCAD you will need the object enabler loaded.  The object enabler for 2010 can be found at the link below. 

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=13171188&linkID=9240858

The only way to flatten a vertical application file into a normal AutoCAD 2D file is to either perform the "-exporttoautocad" from the vertical application it was created in or by using the appropriate object enabler for that application loaded onto AutoCAD.  Sorry about the confusion.  I thought I had added into my original response that the object enabler was needed.

Thanks,

JC

[ward6176]

If you export the file from a non 3d view it will flatten. In top view click the A and Export to ACAD 2012 or whatever you like. The result is a 2d image. If you play with the display configuration I am sure you will get the results you are looking for.

[ward6176]

Edit, it's not a image - it's a dwg.

[GTisRule]

This seems to of drastically changed in MEP 2013.  it now exports 3D regardless of being in Plan or not.  Many of the fittings are flat, but the pipe is left over as 3D solids.

Any new info on exporting MEP 2013 as flat 2 line drawings?

[SBoudreau]

If you can get the piping over as 3D Solids then SOLPROF, FLATTEN, FLATSHOT...etc. type commands should be able to finish it up.

Scotty