4 Replies Latest reply on Nov 6, 2009 8:56 AM by Kevin Quigley

How to convert 3d dxf contour map to nurbs surface

John Layne Oct 17, 2009 6:20 PM

A friend wants to convert a 3d dxf contour map (of the local geography) to a NURBS surface so he can make so rapid prototype models. I've tried bringing the data into SolidWorks 2008, but it brings SolidWorks to a grinding halt.

Any suggestions on what software could do this?

Re: How to convert 3d dxf contour map to nurbs surface

Neil Larsen Oct 17, 2009 7:35 PM (in response to John Layne)

Hi John,
Rhino perhaps - 25 free saves...

also try using the contours as a reference picture to trace with splines on parallel planes for a loft?

perhaps another route is to look at this sort of stuff - but its off the beaten track and havent tried them..
http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/
http://ayam.sourceforge.net/
http://svr-www.eng.cam.ac.uk/~gmt11/software/isosurf/isosurf.html
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Re: How to convert 3d dxf contour map to nurbs surface

Lenny Bucholz Oct 22, 2009 2:50 PM (in response to John Layne)

just get a 2d dwg or dxf, then bring that in, then make planes at the levels, pick a plane start sketch, convert the chain to the sketch, then do it again and again and again.
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Re: How to convert 3d dxf contour map to nurbs surface

John Layne Oct 26, 2009 2:33 AM (in response to John Layne)

Thanks for the input, my friend has now been given point cloud data and found someone with SolidWorks Premium with the 3d scan to part plugin.
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- Re: How to convert 3d dxf contour map to nurbs surface
  
  Kevin Quigley Nov 6, 2009 8:56 AM (in response to John Layne)
  
  If you have a 3D curve of the site boundary, and distinct point levels available, the fill surface command can work OK if you turn the edge constraints to contact only and use the points as internal guides.
  
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