AC3D Forums - View Single Post - importing paths and exporting for 3D printing

lisa · 21st November 2007, 01:56 PM

I import vectors from Corel Draw 12 into AC3D using either DXF or TTF as an exchange format.

AC3D does not support Beziers. It does have a "spline" tool which smooths a line, but you cannot alter the control nodes after the transform. Most people who are building curved surfaces directly in AC3D use a technique called subdivision surfaces instead. You can read a very detailed explanation here: http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20.../sharp_pfv.htm Or a shorter explanation here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subdivision_surface

As far as 3D printing, I think that depends on what file format your particular printer needs. Do you know what file formats it will import? Some people have used AC3D for making CNC models using Cut3D: http://www.inivis.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4236

21st November 2007, 01:56 PM	#2
lisa Senior Member Professional user Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 917	Re: importing paths and exporting for 3D printing I import vectors from Corel Draw 12 into AC3D using either DXF or TTF as an exchange format. AC3D does not support Beziers. It does have a "spline" tool which smooths a line, but you cannot alter the control nodes after the transform. Most people who are building curved surfaces directly in AC3D use a technique called subdivision surfaces instead. You can read a very detailed explanation here: http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20.../sharp_pfv.htm Or a shorter explanation here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subdivision_surface As far as 3D printing, I think that depends on what file format your particular printer needs. Do you know what file formats it will import? Some people have used AC3D for making CNC models using Cut3D: http://www.inivis.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4236