Import DXF gives blank scene

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SilverGreen93
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Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2023 4:38 pm

Import DXF gives blank scene

Post by SilverGreen93 »

Hi,

I used AutoCAD in the past and now switching to FreeCAD.
I want to import some of my drawings/designs in FreeCAD. I tried importing the original DWG files, but FreeCAD gives me QCAD error. So I opened the DWG in AutoCAD and converted to DXF format.
Now, after importing the DXF file, the scene seems to be empty and no drawings are present.

How can I import the drawing successfully?

I attached both example files and a screenshot from AutoCAD.

Thanks,
Mihai
Attachments
AutoCADProjects.zip
(114.01 KiB) Downloaded 11 times
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thomas-neemann
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Re: Import DXF gives blank scene

Post by thomas-neemann »

SilverGreen93 wrote: Fri Mar 31, 2023 4:43 pm ...

your file appears to be a 3d dwg

Bildschirmfoto_2023-03-31_19-00-48.png
Bildschirmfoto_2023-03-31_19-00-48.png (22.89 KiB) Viewed 987 times

that's how it could work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVMQwqVkEoc

phpBB [video]
Gruß Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Thomas Neemann

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keithsloan52
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Re: Import DXF gives blank scene

Post by keithsloan52 »

I tried to import your dxf file with OpenSCAD it reports the following
Image 31-03-2023 at 21.25.jpg
Image 31-03-2023 at 21.25.jpg (120.06 KiB) Viewed 928 times
i.e. It is a 3D file.

Consulting ezdxf documenation
Image 31-03-2023 at 21.36.jpg
Image 31-03-2023 at 21.36.jpg (87.85 KiB) Viewed 928 times
Image 31-03-2023 at 21.37.jpg
Image 31-03-2023 at 21.37.jpg (201.08 KiB) Viewed 928 times
i.e. 3D DXF is actually stored as a propriety format owned by Spatial Inc
SilverGreen93
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Re: Import DXF gives blank scene

Post by SilverGreen93 »

Yes, my original dwg is a 3D box, as you can see in the picture.
It seems that the only way I can import it in FreeCAD is to export it from AutoCAD as IGS file, then it will show correctly in FreeCAD although I will lose the rulers (as shown in dwgfastview website), but I think this is not a problem. Basically I lose layers.
If this is the way to import them, I'll do it this way. Although i'm not sure that the model will be 100% to the original design easy to work with.
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thomas-neemann
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Re: Import DXF gives blank scene

Post by thomas-neemann »

SilverGreen93 wrote: Fri Mar 31, 2023 9:02 pm ....
You can load the dimensions as a jpg via image and adjust the size
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Roy_043
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Re: Import DXF gives blank scene

Post by Roy_043 »

The external workbench InventorLoader can import the file. Install the WB with the Std_AddonMgr. When importing the DXF select the importerIL option.
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3D_dxf_importer_IL.png
3D_dxf_importer_IL.png (4.16 KiB) Viewed 761 times
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thomas-neemann
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Re: Import DXF gives blank scene

Post by thomas-neemann »

Roy_043 wrote: Sat Apr 01, 2023 9:00 am The external workbench InventorLoader can import the file. Install the WB with the Std_AddonMgr. When importing the DXF select the importerIL option.

thank you very much, it works. a nice way to import 3d dxf as a shell, not as a wireframe
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SilverGreen93
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Re: Import DXF gives blank scene

Post by SilverGreen93 »

InventorLoader seems to be the better optoin so far. Thanks!
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