Convert Autocad Fabrication CADmep elements to 3D solids

[jmmiller.southlandind]

Could anyone provide insight on how to best convert CADmep Fabrication elements, such as .itm parts, to 3D solids? I am Looking to be able to send elements like pipe, duct, strut and values to a 3D printer. However, I am having difficult converting the elements to clean 3D solids. Any help and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[jonathan_moreno]

Hi John,

Thank you for your post.  Please review this link: Convert3DModel 

CONVERT3DMODEL: Command to extract any 3D solid/mesh, or collections, into a fabrication (CADmep) model. This enables it to be displayed in the Fabrication products (CADmep, ESTmep, CAMduct) and can also be used to do run time collision detection while modelling. Ability to automatically extract the connector position, type and size data is included. 

Please keep us posted and let us know how this worked out or if there are any questions.  Thank you and we look forward to your reply update. 

[Anonymous]

jmmiller,

Fabrication parts converted or otherwise are a series of faces. I am relatively certain no matter how many different ways you approach this you will not get clean 3D solids. Sorry, but I just thought I'd let you know that you are probably wasting your time.

The only possible way to do this will involve extensive and extreme analysis of the faces programmatically to recreate them as solids. I don't know why your doing this, but if this is necessary then you may want to look at a different software. I am not a huge fan of Plant 3D, but I am relatively certain the geometry is based on solids and would be a lot better direction for what your trying to accomplish.

[Anonymous]

jmmiller,

Not to contradict JHoward, since I've heard he's pretty good at this stuff, but there is an approach that will work, however, your mileage will vary depending on scope. The process is tedious, so if you're trying to convert/print an entire system, it probably won't be worth your time, but if you only want a single part, give it a try.

Like JHoward said, Fabrication parts are surfaces, however proprietary; your goal is to get them into AutoCAD solids so you can export. Here's how to get there (many of the tools can only be seen on toolbars in the 3D modeling workspace:

1. EXPLODE the Fabrication part. Result = a series of tangential 3D faces.
2. CONVTOSURFACE. Result = a series of tangential AutoCAD surfaces.
3. UNION. Result = A single AutoCAD surface, combined at the previously tangential edges. Note: if your edges aren't tangential, this step will give shotty results, and your solid won't turn out as expected.
4. THICKEN. Result = A 3D solid. Note: the surfaces don't go away during conversion, you'll need to manually delete those.
5. EXPORT. Use the regular AutoCAD export menu to create an STL. 

See attached STL of what was previously a fabrication pipe, thickened to 0.1".

Hope it helps,

G

[HN_arucker]

This was posted 3years ago so wanted to check and see if there have been any new features for this. I have done the steps discussed but still get the lines showing in flatshots. I am taking a drawing that has a mix of 3D solids and Fabrication items and doing sketches after flatshotting. The round fabrication items show extra lines than is desired. See the image for examples.

[Michael.Chandler42A2T]

So far I have had good success with simply importing the item into 3DSMax and exporting a SAT file.

[AHepker_HOB]

You might also try using the IFCE command, which will allow you to export a variety of IFC file formats including *.IFC, *.ifcXML, *.ifcZIP, and *.BIX. There are a number of standalone and open source packages out there that can convert IFC to other file formats.