Question

Converting drawing file formats, whats possible?

Asked by: infernokernow

I have been asked to provide a customer with a drawing that I have in either a .drw or .prt format. They require the drawing in .dxf
I have been able to find a convertor but not into dxf and am interested in what formats are convertible between each other.
I use Solidworks 2003, ACAD2004, ProE2001 and CATIA V5.
Thanks!

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Asked On
2006-01-16 at 01:22:18ID21697708
Tags

files

,

prt

Topic

CAD & Architecture Software

Participating Experts
5
Points
500
Comments
14

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Answers

 

by: infernokernowPosted on 2006-01-16 at 03:40:41ID: 15709486

Sorry, new user, just upped the points as I am being hassled for this.
Cheers!

 

by: zstafaPosted on 2006-01-16 at 07:11:17ID: 15711134

I might be wrong but it seems like you are asking how to save a drawing in dxf format.

In autocad just type in "DXFOUT" in the command line and this will do it.

If I am not understanding your question let me know. Z

 

by: infernokernowPosted on 2006-01-16 at 07:51:43ID: 15711594

No, you misunderstand me, I have the files in both .prt and .drw format which I am unable to open in ACAD.

 

by: techn125Posted on 2006-01-16 at 08:35:21ID: 15711994

I found this, a viewer, with as mentionned in the cut/paste description below, conversion capabilities from .prt files. About mid page, theres a link to download a free trial version, maybe that is all that you need *winkwink*

"With AutoVue, users can view CADKEY files, print, *-CONVERT-*, markup, and collaborate on prt files in its native format from a single user interface."

http://www.cimmetry.com/CADKEY_Viewer.html

 

by: techn125Posted on 2006-01-16 at 08:43:32ID: 15712069

found this also with an available trial version:

http://www.leadtools.com/SDK/VECTOR/FORMATS/Vector-Format-DRW.htm

"LEADTOOLS Vector Imaging Pro supports the loading, saving and conversion of DRW files."

 

by: infernokernowPosted on 2006-01-16 at 08:46:14ID: 15712094

I have emailed cimmetry and am awaiting them getting back to me as (at least in their demo version) this is not possible. It will open the file and show it in a format that would be acceptable as a last ditch effort though printing in the demo version has a massive watermark over the top.

To be honest, I dont have ProE installed anymore as our licence ran out - I dont suppose it is possible to just reopen the files and then re-save/export them as a .dxf?

I will try the leadtools one now, thanks for advice tho...

J

 

by: rbassalPosted on 2006-01-16 at 08:48:30ID: 15712116

Hi
Both are PRO/ENGINEER drawings, so you need the software or to any other viewer if you need only to visualise those documents.
let me know what you need exactly.

rbassal

 

by: infernokernowPosted on 2006-01-16 at 08:55:59ID: 15712201

What I have: A drawing in 2 formats: .prt and .drw

What I want: The drawing in .dxf showing all its tolerances & dimensions

What I may have to end up accepting: A pdf or image of the drawing of the part showing dimensions and tolerances

OK?

 

by: rbassalPosted on 2006-01-16 at 12:10:29ID: 15713844

 

by: bchoorPosted on 2006-01-17 at 00:26:55ID: 15717770

autodesk has a free dxf writer plugin - check it out at http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=6101824

If you can open the files in Solidworks or Pro/E, you should be able to use the plugin from there to export to dxf format.

HTH
~BC

 

by: bchoorPosted on 2006-01-17 at 00:28:04ID: 15717775

nm...it's a dwf writer.....not dxf....my bad!!!!

 

by: infernokernowPosted on 2006-01-18 at 02:37:06ID: 15727382

OK, researched this and as far as I can see...
AutoVue will be able to view .prt and .dwr files and will be able to print them to pdf or whatever although the resolution of the drawings is unlikely to be top quality.
The leadtools one may well be able to do it but I found the software non-intuitive and complicated and quickly gave up.
There are several companies who will convert the drawings for you if you need this done but at ~£100 per drawing for a couple with the price quickly reducing the more you want doing.
Apparantly ProE will convert to .dxf but as my software was on a timed licence and I am unable to even open it then I cannot vouch for this. I think I am going to have to get a single licence to sort this problem properly...
No-one has actually answered the question properly but then I didn't ask the right questions or give the correct information - any ideas what I am supposed to do now re: points distribution?
J

 

by: MuertyPosted on 2006-01-18 at 12:19:31ID: 15732604

You can download a trial version of TransMagic at http://www.transmagic.com/

Use TransMagic to convert the .prt to .sat, then insert the .sat file into a blank drawing in AutoCAD, finally, save the drawing file to DXF file type.

 

by: infernokernowPosted on 2006-01-23 at 02:19:38ID: 15764715

OK in the end it was easiest to get a licence for ProE and then export it to .dxf.
Thanks for the input, the transmagic solution seems the next simplist way if this comes up again for anyone else.
J

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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