importing paths and exporting for 3D printing

larryfroot · 21st November 2007, 06:55 AM

Hello...I am a newbie. In fact I am so much of a newbie I haven't even installed ac3d yet! Before I make the effort of another learning curve, I just wanted to check two things. Firstly can you import vector paths into ac3d from a vector illustration package like illustrator (windows) or Inkscape (linux)? If not are there any bezier and other path tools in ac3d (or a good plugin) that can be used to create highly decorative angular and cursive designs that can then be placed onto a surface so as to either emboss the path shape in, or to extrude the path shape out (but for it to still be a part of the model). Alot of this stuff will be in great detail, but I am assuming that is not an issue.

Secondly, can I export the finished model into a file type that a 3D printer can use?

Thanks for your help on this one! Much appreciated as I really would like to go with ac3d; it seems to be a good way of achieving what I need without purchasing a host of features that I will never use.

21st November 2007, 06:55 AM	#1
larryfroot Junior Member Junior member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 3	importing paths and exporting for 3D printing Hello...I am a newbie. In fact I am so much of a newbie I haven't even installed ac3d yet! Before I make the effort of another learning curve, I just wanted to check two things. Firstly can you import vector paths into ac3d from a vector illustration package like illustrator (windows) or Inkscape (linux)? If not are there any bezier and other path tools in ac3d (or a good plugin) that can be used to create highly decorative angular and cursive designs that can then be placed onto a surface so as to either emboss the path shape in, or to extrude the path shape out (but for it to still be a part of the model). Alot of this stuff will be in great detail, but I am assuming that is not an issue. Secondly, can I export the finished model into a file type that a 3D printer can use? Thanks for your help on this one! Much appreciated as I really would like to go with ac3d; it seems to be a good way of achieving what I need without purchasing a host of features that I will never use.