topic Re: Convert Block Reference into 3D Solid in AutoCAD Forum

Convert Block Reference into 3D Solid

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 14:12:13 GMT

I'm trying to export my DWG file out as an STL, but apparently first I need to convert my block reference into a 3D solid. I just keep getting the error "Object cannot be converted". I'm a complete AutoCad n00b so would appreciate any advice or help you can give. Thanks!

Betreff: Convert Block Reference into 3D Solid

j.palmeL29YX — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 16:23:42 GMT

Before converting this polyface mesh into a solid (this can be a hard way) I'd suggest to model it from scratch as shown in the attachment.

HTH

cadder

Re: Convert Block Reference into 3D Solid

beyoungjr — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 16:34:28 GMT

Hi,

Usually you can just explode a block of a solid model and all is well but your drawing was created in some other program. If I explode I get polyface mesh objects and thousands of lines.

I simply traced a polyline around the bottom flat portion of the object, ignoring the "bull nose", from start of the arc to other end. I closed the polyline across the arc.

I created a 3 point circle to develop the arc but I noticed that the round profile does not match your model by zooming in and comparing the arc to the block object.

Instead of arc I created a flat spline around the arc using all of the bottom endpoints at the "bull nose" transition. I then copied the spline and frame, trimmed the frame, and joined the entire profile to get the matching flat for your object.

I extruded the joined profile to get a solid.

I then copied the solid and extracted edges to get just the bottom front profile and I swept a bull nose profile along that path, creating a solid.

I copied the bull nose solid to the flat solid and union the two as one solid object.

Now the object can be exported as a proper watertight stl model.

BTW, I tried to explode the block and just export to stl but it fails.

Hope this helps,

Blaine

Re: Convert Block Reference into 3D Solid

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 20:25:49 GMT

Thanks for the super detailed instructions, they're really helpful!

@beyoungjr wrote:
Hi,
Usually you can just explode a block of a solid model and all is well but your drawing was created in some other program. If I explode I get polyface mesh objects and thousands of lines.

I simply traced a polyline around the bottom flat portion of the object, ignoring the "bull nose", from start of the arc to other end. I closed the polyline across the arc.
I created a 3 point circle to develop the arc but I noticed that the round profile does not match your model by zooming in and comparing the arc to the block object.
Instead of arc I created a flat spline around the arc using all of the bottom endpoints at the "bull nose" transition. I then copied the spline and frame, trimmed the frame, and joined the entire profile to get the matching flat for your object.
I extruded the joined profile to get a solid.
I then copied the solid and extracted edges to get just the bottom front profile and I swept a bull nose profile along that path, creating a solid.
I copied the bull nose solid to the flat solid and union the two as one solid object.

Now the object can be exported as a proper watertight stl model.

BTW, I tried to explode the block and just export to stl but it fails.

Hope this helps,
Blaine

Betreff: Convert Block Reference into 3D Solid

j.palmeL29YX — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 08:38:53 GMT

@Anonymous schrieb:

I need to convert my block reference into a 3D solid.

After exploding the blockreference you get a Polyface Mesh.

Depending on you ACAD version (in ACAD Rel. 14, the current format of your drawing, this is not yet possible) this Polyface Mesh mesh can be converted into a solid with the following steps:

(- Explode the blockreference, you get Polyface Meshes)
- Explode the Polyface Meshes, you get 3DFaces
- Convert the 3DFaces to Surfaces (CONVTOSURFACE)
- Create the 3DSolid (SURFSCULPT)

You get an identical "clone" of your block reference as 3DSolid.

https://autode.sk/2Eg7WdK

cadder

Re: Convert Block Reference into 3D Solid

j.palmeL29YX — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 15:15:29 GMT

@beyoungjr schrieb:

I simply traced a polyline around the bottom flat portion of the object, ignoring the "bull nose",

Attached a similar, but slightly different way to get the result.

https://autode.sk/2yB8qp1

(The creation of the spline was shortened a bit (clipped) in the video)

cadder

Betreff: Convert Block Reference into 3D Solid

Anonymous — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 12:15:45 GMT

This worked. Thanks