OT how can I open *.3d files?

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

 

Search the news group. This has been asked before.

TOP

 

..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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I remember those days when you could pick and choose what you wanted.

No more separate add-ons? That sucks.

 

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.. )


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

 

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