topic Re: CONVERT FROM 2D TO 3D in The Community Room

CONVERT FROM 2D TO 3D

dstimmell — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 21:13:15 GMT

I have been working with AutoCAD LT for 20 years now, creating 2D shapes for aluminum extrusions. (Current Version 2019)

I am experiencing more and more demand for 3D, but not to the point where we would want to spend several thousand dollars on another program. As it stands right now I might have need of this programming 1 day out of every 2-3 months.

Is there a program that can convert my 2D files (SEE ATTACHMENT) to 3D, and what is that program?

Re: CONVERT FROM 2D TO 3D

pendean — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 21:27:07 GMT

@dstimmell wrote:
...but not to the point where we would want to spend several thousand dollars on another program...

Low cost and marginally free 3D program exist all over the web to do just that, try and experiment with what you can find online, Autodesk does not offer that:
https://www.google.com/search?q=aluminum+extrusion+creation+software

Re: CONVERT FROM 2D TO 3D

dstimmell — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:30:06 GMT

Thank You for your reply!

I am not seeing anything in the Search Link you included in your response that fits our needs.

I am looking to take my 2D shape, with the fabrication, which involves holes drilled at specified locations and sizes along the length of the extrusion, into a 3D program that the part can then be manipulated / rotated in 3D by the customer.

At this point I do not know if copying my 2D drawing into a 3D program is even doable. And that is the very important part. With tens of thousands of parts drawn in 2D, I need to know if it is a matter of Copy/Paste, or going back thru and drawing tens of thousands of shapes in 3D.

I do not want to use another firms parts, I want to use my parts.

Re: CONVERT FROM 2D TO 3D

pendean — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 19:50:28 GMT

Then I hate to break the news to you, but you are indeed going to have to invest in new software+training: LT needs to stop being your go-to as well.

Reach out to your business competitors at trade shows and websites and see what they are using: that's your next investment.

Best wishes.