topic Re: Convert 3D model made with polyface meshes into a 2D model in top view in AutoCAD Forum

Convert 3D model made with polyface meshes into a 2D model in top view

mlinvilleRTJFD — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:42:37 GMT

I am using a manufacture part within a project. The project is being done in 2D. There is a lovely 3D drawing of the part. There are two 2D drawings of the part: a side view and a front view. I can use the front view in my elevation/section drawing just by dropping it in. However, there is no top view of the part that I can drop in to the plan view.

Is it possible to use the 3D drawing and convert into a 2D drawing with just the top view? I did try using FLATTEN command, with little success.

I do have a request into the manufacture to see what's possible. I'd still like to dabble with this as an exercise.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Re: Convert 3D model made with polyface meshes into a 2D model in top view

paullimapa — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:59:27 GMT

You can plot using dwg to pdf.pc3 with legacy hidden line and to specific scale to create pdf file then pdfimport and scale it back up.

Re: Convert 3D model made with polyface meshes into a 2D model in top view

AVCPlugins — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 16:04:37 GMT

You can use the Flatshot command or the more powerful AVC Flat plugin. But you will get a snapshot of all the edges of the mesh without exceptions. This is not at all the same as a top view of a solid part.

However, if the polygonal model is of high quality, without holes, then you can try to convert it to a solid. There is a standard ConvToSolid command and there is a more powerful MeshToSolid plugin.

If the conversion is successful, then you will be able to take high-quality flat shots from solids without invisible edges. And you will be able to design all views by standard means - through viewports or ModelDoc views (_ViewBase command) on sheets (layouts).