How to print a DWG from a PC which does not have ACAD?

I am a CAD operator of a small company. After upgrading ACAD to 2005, many people on the floor was not able to see and print existing drawings, which have been OK through VoloView. Now VoloView 3 for ACAD2005 is not free. We are trying to make people use BentleyViewer but they are not happy about this SW because of the slowness and odd interface of it.

Besides the viewing problem I am writing a VB.NET application for issuing work orders and need to print a drawing FROM the program. My PC has an ACAD2005 so that it is not so difficult to control ACAD and print but the problem is this program is supposed to be installed to the Plant Manager's desk, who does not have ACAD. How do I make a program which can print ACAD drawing without ACAD?

I have searched long time for this issue but not satisfactory solution yet. I know ObjectDBX can but this needs a special license from AutoDesk. Using DWF Viewer could be a solution but to maintain always a PAIR of original drawing is not an easy job because drawings are being changed so frequently. Can I control BentleyViewer from VB.NET to print a DWG file?

Any idea or comments welcome.

 

I do not know whether you can use automation to control the Bentley system.
However, I have used a package called Fastlook look for about 10 years and
it works quite well. It is programmable using VB and allows other users to
view/print drawings without owning AutoCAD. I believe it costs something
like $200-300 but that's a far cry from $3000.

Joe
--

people on the floor was not able to see and print existing drawings, which
have been OK through VoloView. Now VoloView 3 for ACAD2005 is not free. We
are trying to make people use BentleyViewer but they are not happy about
this SW because of the slowness and odd interface of it.

work orders and need to print a drawing FROM the program. My PC has an
ACAD2005 so that it is not so difficult to control ACAD and print but the
problem is this program is supposed to be installed to the Plant Manager's
desk, who does not have ACAD. How do I make a program which can print ACAD
drawing without ACAD?

yet. I know ObjectDBX can but this needs a special license from AutoDesk.
Using DWF Viewer could be a solution but to maintain always a PAIR of
original drawing is not an easy job because drawings are being changed so
frequently. Can I control BentleyViewer from VB.NET to print a DWG file?