extract 2D DWG drawing from 3D wireframe model 1

[dooron]

I would like to know how to extract a 2D stand alone (not paper space) DWG drawing file from a 3D modelspace drawing.
The drawing is to be of a selected view of the model.
Solview and Soldraw commands don't work on wire frame, only on solids. I need to extract 2D DWG drawings (model space-not paperspace)of 3D wireframe machine drawings. These are to be completely stand alone new drawings.
Close to Step by step instructions for AutoCAD200 would be appreciated.

 

[cfee]

If its a true open wireframe model, meaning no solids data OR surface data, just wire frame elements, your automated options are limited. However, depending on the complexity of the model, you can do a couple of things.
1. Assuming there's a good reason for avoiding paperspace, create a UCS in the model space parallel (or at) the plane of reference you want your 2D view, and trace the part using .xy point reference with z=0. you can set up a button for picking your points using .xy and always answering 0 for z, and if the part is barely to moderately complex, get a really decent 2D view. -or-
2. Go ahead and set up a paperspace viewport of the part, and trace it in paperspace (you won't need the z=0 stuff above) and copy-clip the vectors to the model space of the target drawing -or-
3. Go ahead and reconstruct the wireframe model into a genuine solid and use the automated commands.

If you need more details please post back. I'm sure we can help with particular questions and suggest the best strategies for success as you develop the project.

Good Luck-
cfee

 

[CADCAMMIKE]

If you opt for cfee's 1st choice, here is a little script file that I use to trace 3D drawings for a cnc press brake

^C^C-layer m sim c 140 l

Assign a button to this script, click on the button and trace away! *Note* sim is just a name of a new layer to create, and 140 can be any color. All spaces must be copied as well.

 

[cfee]

To CADCAMMIKE:
I looked at your script (macro). It seems to create a layer, set its color and start the line command. all very useful, but what am I missing that facilitates tracing a 3d wireframe into a single plane using the line command and z=0 for all points? I have a button that starts the line command and inserts endp & .xy as the osnap option with z=0 to answer each point input, but I was hopeful when I saw your macro that there was a shorter simpler way. If the intent is just to control the layer and keep the user on it during the entire process, then I agree, and I think I'll add that thought to mine.

Thanks-
cfee

 

[rKeyTek]

See thread555-42435 for more solutions.
Hope this helps
Rich

 

[CADCAMMIKE]

cfee you are correct. The trace macro does not ensure that you will always snap to the same plane, but it does give you a nice outline of the part with no lines overlapping. once you have that, hide all layers but current, and load the lisp routine Flattn21.zip from the link.

http://www.cadresource.com/library/lispdk.html

This lisp works great for making all z=0

 

[energysaver]

I need a free download program that I can view Auto Cad drawings from files sent by Email. Is there one available
Thanks
Stephen

 

[rKeyTek]

To Energysaver,
Go to

http://www.autodesk.com

and download "Voloview".
It's free from the makers of AutoCAD.