How to extract edges from 3D solid?

[Anonymous]

I have a simple pipe and it is 3D solid (as shown below). I want to save it in dxf format but with lines, circles, arc etc instead of a 3DSolid. Does AutoCAD support this type of export? I didn't find anywhere I can control the setting.  

So I explored extracting edges first from the 3D solid. I tried "Modify->3D operations->extract edges" and only the two circles from both end of the pipe were extracted. The straight lines along the pipe are not there. I am stuck. Any suggestions are appreciated. 

[beyoungjr · Accepted solution]

Hi,

You found the correct command set to "Extract Edges".

The lines you see on screen are simple representations of the cylindrical length of your solid.  They are known as ISOLINES and the default setting in AutoCAD for these is 4.  You can turn ISOLINES off by setting this to 0 or increase these by setting to a higher number.  You can read about ISOLINES >here<.

They do not produce entity endpoints, therefore they do not extract as line objects.

If you wish to have lines as a "wireframe model" then you could create the lines from the quadrant points of each extracted circle, or just create 1 line and copy it from quadrant to quadrant.

Hope this helps,

Blaine

[Anonymous]

Please How can I extract edges as lines,..... in one block reference to able to select it once.

[GrantsPirate]

Set the view of the pipe as you would like it for the 2d representation, use flatshot command.

[Anonymous]

• Thanks for your response but I need the extracted edges from 3d solid (C3D) as lines,..... in one block

[lovecraft]

What I have done is run the SOLIDEDIT command, then select the EDGE option, then COPY, at which point you will be prompted to select the edge you want......voila!

HTH,

LC 😂

[pawelszumski]

XEDGES command will extract all edges from solid as a lines.