OT how can I open *.3d files?

Discussion in 'SolidWorks' started by *Q*, Jul 10, 2007.

  1. *Q*

    *Q* Guest

    Hi, I'd like to know How can I open *.3d files, can you suggest me a
    program? Why I can't open them with solid edge? Is there a conversion
    program between *.3d and *.par or *.asm files?
    thank you so much
     
    *Q*, Jul 10, 2007
    #1
  2. *Q*

    TOP Guest

    Search the news group. This has been asked before.

    TOP
     
    TOP, Jul 11, 2007
    #2
  3. ..3D files can be viewed with the free Spinfire Reader plug-in
    for Internet Explorer from Actify Inc. They are 'lightweight' 3D
    files suitable for viewing, measurement, markup etc.

    http://www.actify.com/v2/products/SFReader/index.htm

    Rick Mason
    Sydney, Australia.
     
    R.H. \(Rick\) Mason, Jul 11, 2007
    #3
  4. *Q*

    *Q* Guest

    I've downloaded the program but before installation is complete the
    following message appears on desktop:
    internal error 2753 xmlinst.exe
    and then setup stops without completing
    So, what can I do? Where is the problem?
    thanks
     
    *Q*, Jul 11, 2007
    #4
  5. Could be Windows Installer, a Registry error or other ...

    Suggest you email error details to Actify for assistance (use Support
    link on their web-page HERE:)

    http://www.actify.com/v2/corporate/contact.htm

    - You might also check the FAQ document available from the Spinfire
    Reader download page.

    Rick.
     
    R.H. \(Rick\) Mason, Jul 11, 2007
    #5
  6. *Q*

    Cadjunkie Guest

    Just to verify, are you trying to open a .3dm or a .3ds. Those come
    from two different programs. One is Rhino, which can be opened
    natively in SW since '07. The other is from Max/Viz and that comes
    into SW as a mesh, for which you have to have the Scan to 3D add-in
    functionality turned on. This only comes with SW Premium version :(

    Making people upgrade to SW Premium just for this one plug in is a bit
    of a stretch if this is the only function that you need.
     
    Cadjunkie, Jul 11, 2007
    #6
  7. *Q*

    Dale Dunn Guest

    Making people upgrade to SW Premium just for this one plug in is a bit
    What are the costs of other mesh to surface tools? Is the add-on available
    individually, or only with Office Premium?
     
    Dale Dunn, Jul 11, 2007
    #7
  8. *Q*

    *Q* Guest

    I've fixed my problem. The error occurs because of an existing
    xmlinst.exe file in windows.system32 directory. I justt deleted it and
    setup had continued properly.
    Now I'm able to open *.3d files but now my question is: how can I
    extract some pieces of the works to bring them in Solid Edge?
    How can I save them with a *.par or *.asm extension?
    I need to modify a singular piece...
    thanks
     
    *Q*, Jul 11, 2007
    #8
  9. *Q*

    Cadjunkie Guest

    If you are doing a lot of heavy mesh importing and repairs, then I
    would use a tool designed for that. (i.e Geomagics, Rapidform) Ever
    tried opening an .STL file in SW that had any weight to it. Other than
    a graphics body, I would not even consider even trying. But then again
    you either of those two programs drop in at about $10k or more.
    RapidForm just came out with a scaled down version of their software
    that starts around $500 and goes to $2,500 that pairs with the Next
    Engine scanner. The $2,500 package looks to have some great mesh to
    NURBS tools in it. (Have not tried it so not sure on full
    capabilities)

    If you have SW already, then I think it is only the price difference
    that you would have to pay. i.e 4K for SW core vs 8K for Premium. My
    think is that if you only need the Scan to 3D, then is it worth the
    cost? You can buy Rhino for a lot less and have better mesh to NURBS
    tools than the Scan to 3D.
     
    Cadjunkie, Jul 11, 2007
    #9
  10. *Q*

    Dale Dunn Guest

    If you have SW already, then I think it is only the price difference
    Back in 99 when we got my seat of SW, we added FeatureWorks for $250 and
    didn't buy the office bundle. I was thinking Scan to 3D should also be
    available separately.
     
    Dale Dunn, Jul 11, 2007
    #10
  11. *Q*

    Cadjunkie Guest

    I remember those days when you could pick and choose what you wanted.
    Photoworks, Animation, Toolbox, pretty much every add-in that is now
    in the 3 tiers of the program.
     
    Cadjunkie, Jul 11, 2007
    #11
  12. *Q*

    Dale Dunn Guest

    I remember those days when you could pick and choose what you wanted.
    No more separate add-ons? That sucks.
     
    Dale Dunn, Jul 11, 2007
    #12
  13. *Q*

    neilscad Guest

    Yup well I agree scan to 3d should be available separately
    I think more than a few people made that wish/request when it came out
    Like most things we ask for it hasnt happened yet... still finishing
    the icons.. :eek:)


    Getting back to the .3d files I dont think there is anything useful
    you can do with these in CAD
    Its just for viewing and markup I think
    In a quick look at the website I couldnt see any refernce to having a
    STL, DFX or VRML associated with it
    If the part has dimensions provided you could just remodel it from
    that I guess
    HTH
     
    neilscad, Jul 12, 2007
    #13
  14. OK, one more time ... what you have are 'lightweight' mesh-based
    'shells' which are dimensionally accurate but have no surface or solid
    data attached. These CAN be converted to .STL (very similar format)
    using a 3rd-party extension to Spinfire Professional, but you still won't
    have a NURBS-based brep solid that you can edit.

    In all likelihood, the reason you have .3D files in the first place is that
    they are issued on a 'look but don't touch' basis - ie, to make it harder
    to reverse-engineer the product.

    Rick Mason
    Sydney, Australia
     
    R.H. \(Rick\) Mason, Jul 12, 2007
    #14
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