What program was used to create dwg file?

[warrenandy]

I have a vendor who sent us a dwg 2D file of a machine we are paying them to build. I want to know what software was used to create that file. 

We received some 2D files from them and they look to be a 3D model. I want to know did they use Inventor or some other solid modeler (eg Solidworks, Pro-E, Creo, NX, etc). Would like to know what they used so I can tell them what form of 3D model file to send me. They do not speak english well and are not the people doing the design (dealing w sales person). I need to be able to tell them you are using abc, send me this kind of file so I can open it in Inventor. 

Their used to be a way to see meta data on which program was used to create a dwg file? I used to use it alot to know did they make it in Inventor or AutoCAD, and it was just a field in File Explorer to see. But have been on the Management side and forgotten some of what I knew all those years ago....

[pendean]

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@warrenandy wrote:

I have a vendor who sent us a dwg 2D file of a machine we are paying them to build. I want to know what software was used to create that file..... so I can tell them what form of 3D model file to send me...

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If I may... why not ask them (then tell them)? Google translate is an amazingly free web tool, works well for many of us. AFAIK it's going to be almost impossible to backtrack an app based on a file especially since you noted there were no markers to help.

[warrenandy]

I think they are playing dumb trying to convince the project manager to pay them another $60k for a 3D model. I am trying to prove it is already in 3D and it should not cost more to get a copy of something we are paying for already. When I pull up the dwg they sent you can tell it was done with a 3D modeler and I need that model used to create the 2D. 

[pendean]

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@warrenandy wrote:

I think they are playing dumb trying to convince the project manager to pay them another $60k for a 3D model....

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I've been on the receiving end of that on occasion. Good luck busting through that pay-wall.

[Washingtonn]

Your contract should have specified what was (and how) the information was to be delivered.  If 2D was the contracted delivery and you paid for and received that, then they are entitled to extra for 3D being delivered regardless of whether original 2D drawings came from a 3D model - "...and I need that model used to create the 2D" only carries weight if was part of the deliverables contracted.

[warrenandy]

Yes that is what we are doing now. The Vendor we have used for many years is trying to up charge for the new requirement. My argument is they are already doing it and their should be no upcharge to give us the model. We are looking at drawings from a previous project a couple month back, and they are clearly done in 3D then made into 2D sheets, then saved out as a dwg. Based on the generic block names, I do not think it is Inventor, but could be how they have it set up. 

Still want to see what program was used to create the dwg. 

[pendean]

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@warrenandy wrote:

Still want to see what program was used to create the dwg. 

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Only they can answer that. Sorry.

[RobDraw]

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@warrenandy wrote:

My argument is they are already doing it and their should be no upcharge to give us the model.

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Totally disagree. The model intended for 2D may not be as refined as a 3D model. There may be additional requirements that you may not be aware of for 3D. 

[Washingtonn]

A decision needs to be made: Stay with 2D and use the same vendor, stay with the same vendor and add 3D and pay the asking price, hire someone to model the 2D as 3D, find a new vendor to do it all or model it yourself.

If AutoCAD drawings from a company have custom blocks which have taken much time and effort to create and save  many hours on many projects. The company had been contracted for many years to provide drawings and have always exploded the blocks to protect their investment.  Suddenly a client wishes to receive drawings and requests they are provided with the custom blocks intact.  Are you saying the company should not be entitled to additional compensation just because you know it exists?

[paullimapa · Accepted solution]

you can try this method as outlined here:

https://www.cadtutor.net/forum/topic/45928-not-developed-or-licensed-by-autodeskquot-message-warning...

On Windows 10:

Open Windows Explorer

Select the dwg file in question for example: Block_Label_Test_Dwg (002).dwg

Right mouse click and select Open With > Notepad

First item on top row identifies dwg format:

AC1032 is 2018 dwg format supported from AutoCAD 2018 to 2024

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/drawing-version-co...

A few lines down shows what product created the dwg:

AutoCAD build version 23.1 = AutoCAD 2020

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-tie-the-Pro...

[RobDraw]

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@warrenandy wrote:

I think they are playing dumb trying to convince the project manager to pay them another $60k for a 3D model. I am trying to prove it is already in 3D and it should not cost more to get a copy of something we are paying for already. When I pull up the dwg they sent you can tell it was done with a 3D modeler and I need that model used to create the 2D. 

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Dumb? Why so judgmental?

It's common practice to charge more for 3D models. You are not paying for the 3D model until you fork over whatever the asking price is. IF there is a 3D model, it's for THEIR internal purposes to build the machine and generate 2D for the customers. It's also probably going to have every nut, bolt, and label in it. Stuff you probably don't need. Information that they don't want to share or makes the files unusable because they are so bloated. They might also have proprietary information in the files and they need to prepare the file to make it sharable. Whatever the reason, it's a business decision. If they want to upcharge for 3D and customers are willing to pay for it, it's a good decision.

I know of a number of places that had really crappy models but they met the requirements of the project because they were used to prepare the deliverables without being a part of the deliverables. It wasn't that they couldn't make good models. They knew where to cut corners when the model wasn't a deliverable and so quite judiciously. When a model was a deliverable, there was a considerable amount of time that went into making it customer worthy. They had to charge a premium and most of their projects didn't warrant 3D.

Moral of the story is;

If you need 3D, make it clear in the beginning of the project, don't add it in later and definitely don't cry foul when you have to pay for it.

[vladimir_michl · Accepted solution]

You may be able to identify which Autodesk product has created a particular DWG file but I doubt it can be done (reliably) for "faked" DWG files created by other vendors.

For Autodesk sources, you can use the DWGintVer tool - see:

https://apps.autodesk.com/ACD/en/Detail/Index?id=5409217370053458515&appLang=en&os=Win32_64

and

https://www.cadforum.cz/en/how-to-find-which-autocad-version-was-used-to-save-a-DWG-tip10702

Vladimir Michl, www.arkance-systems.cz  -  www.cadforum.cz

[ChicagoLooper]

Hi @warrenandy 

Your first sentence says all:

<<I have a vendor who sent us a dwg 2D file of a machine we are paying them to build.>>

If you are PAYING THEM then they owe you. You paid for it! Let them know you're using Cad. They'll know what format to send. Tighten the screws and you'll get 3D drawings in the right format.

[RobDraw]

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@ChicagoLooper wrote:

Hi @warrenandy 

Your first sentence says all:

<<I have a vendor who sent us a dwg 2D file of a machine we are paying them to build.>>

If you are PAYING THEM then they owe you. You paid for it! Let them know you're using Cad. They'll know what format to send. Tighten the screws and you'll get 3D drawings in the right format.

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I think you misunderstood the part that there is an upcharge for 3D files.

[ChicagoLooper]

@RobDraw 

 ....the part that there is an upcharge for 3D files.

Huh? The OP paid for the design and it has been designed......and delivered, in 2D.

So the payment only includes 2D drawings not 3D? You're kidding, right? 

Conversation at the vendor's plant:

Assembly man on manufacturing floor: Where are the 3D drawings and can I have them?

The drafter: Sorry, we don't have 3D. The client didn't pay for 3D so we only have 2D.

Upcharge?

The 3D not only helps the vendor design & build, it serves the client as well. The OP is entitled to his 3D files he's not playing a 6th grade word game.

[RobDraw]

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@ChicagoLooper wrote:

@RobDraw 

 ....the part that there is an upcharge for 3D files.

Huh? The OP paid for the design and it has been designed......and delivered, in 2D.

So the payment only includes 2D drawings not 3D? You're kidding, right? 

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That's what the OP is saying. It's common practice for reasons already stated. Please read my previous comment. It's a contractual thing. Maybe you've heard of contracts?

[ChicagoLooper]

Of course I read your comment. Did you read the first sentence of the opening Post?  The OP paid for 'a machine we are paying them to build.'

So you're saying the BUILD doesn't include ALL design drawings? 

When you buy a car....

Purchaser: Thank you...I take the keys and go home now.

Salesman: No, not so fast..... you need to schedule an appointment at our Service Dept. b/c you need to put oil..........The contract says only bought the car, not the fluids.  Haha.

[Washingtonn]

The questions that the OP needs to address are:

What were the terms of the written contract?

What will the your company compensate the Vendor when the terms of the contract are completed?

What was/is the required format for deliverables presented in the terms of the contract?

If the terms were met by the vendor, then nothing further is required from the vendor and no further payment is to be expected from the client.

If the terms were fulfilled and now additional terms are now being mandated by the client, then additional compensation may rightfully be requested by the vendor. New terms must be agreed to by both parties and it sounds like that is not happening. If there is no agreement to the additional terms, the contracted terms are still valid.

It sounds like only 2D deliverables were required - not 3D.

[Washingtonn]

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@ChicagoLooper wrote:

Of course I read your comment. Did you read the first sentence of the opening Post?  The OP paid for 'a machine we are paying them to build.'

So you're saying the BUILD doesn't include ALL design drawings? 

When you buy a car....

Purchaser: Thank you...I take the keys and go home now.

Salesman: No, not so fast..... you need to schedule an appointment at our Service Dept. b/c you need to put oil..........The contract says only bought the car, not the fluids.  Haha.

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Of course you realize that with your logic, the purchase of the car should include all of the design drawings ....... or in the case of the OP, no design drawings at all, just the finished machine.

[RobDraw]

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@ChicagoLooper wrote:

Of course I read your comment. Did you read the first sentence of the opening Post?  The OP paid for 'a machine we are paying them to build.'

So you're saying the BUILD doesn't include ALL design drawings? 

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No, I am not saying it. That's what the OP is saying.

As to the rest of your post, it's kind of a ridiculous comparison. Expecting drawings with the purchase of a vehicle would be a better way to compare the two scenarios.

Please direct future questions about the agreement to the OP. I'm only going by what they have already said and my direct experience with this. Please not that there are also other people that are aware of this practice. You want 3D models, be prepared to pay a premium for them. If you need them, make it clear before pen hits the paper on the signature line.

Your opinions are just that, opinions. We are talking facts here.