How to slice 3d object into parts (if the parts will not join?)

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone. I'm using AutoCAD 2015.

I wanted slice a 3D object (picture attached; the red lines indicate where I am trying to make the cut), but the surfaces are not joined. I tried to use the UNION command to join them but it didn't work. I wanted to have the 3D object so that I can easily use the SLICE tool. 

Is there another way to cut the object into parts? If not, is there another way to join everything so it becomes full 3D object? I would appreciate any help as I am still new to AutoCAD.

[JDMather]

Can you attach the *.dwg file here?

[Anonymous]

I attached the dwg file. 

[Patchy]

Try CONVTOSURFACE, then THICKEN, and SLICE.

It'll look funny unless you use commands to draw 3d objects.

[Anonymous]

Olivia,

Note how Patchy is displaying the object. When working in 3d it is typically much easier to work in an isometric view. Also note that the UCS icon is turned on and visible which aids in determining your orientation. It may be that your screen shot is of a smaller area and you do have the icon on, but it is worth noting.

[JDMather]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Olivia,

Note how Patchy is displaying the object. When working in 3d it is typically much easier to work in an isometric view. Also note that the UCS icon is turned on and visible which aids in determining your orientation. It may be that your screen shot is of a smaller area and you do have the icon on, but it is worth noting.

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Huh?

Maybe something like attached?

[Anonymous]

Not sure what the "huh?" was about. I was referring to the png image from the first post - I hadn't opened the drawing.

[JDMather]

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@Anonymous wrote:

1.  I was referring to the png image from the first post -

2. I hadn't opened the drawing.

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1. The image appears to be a faceted surface body - not solid body.

2. I recommend opening the file and try slicing the geometry.

[Anonymous]

I figured Patchy had already addressed the fact they were not solid bodies so there was no need for me to open the drawing to try slicing objects that cannot be sliced.

To clarify my response, often it is easy to overlook the basics when a question is asked by a new user. My comments were meant as helpful recommendations for working with 3D objects irrespective of the type of 3D object.

[Patchy]

Try this:

http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/AutoCA...

Otherwise, you will get a recommendation "Use Inventor"

[Anonymous]

JDMather, how were you able to turn the object like that? I can easily slice it now, but what steps did you take? I would appreciate it. Thank you for taking the time to help. 

[JDMather · Accepted solution]

The geometry was simple (or should have been) boxes and cylinders.

I simply recreated from scratch the way it should have been modeled from the start (I didn't put all of the holes in - left some for you).

10 minutes of work.  Another 10 minutes to add the remaining holes.

[Anonymous]

So the best action would be to redo the object? That's fine. Thanks. 

The original file was an STL file and I had to convert it in order to edit in AutoCAD. I couldn't find an easy way to convert it either. After the conversion, it looked like the first image I had attached.