CAD to Collada¶

Converting CAD models¶

If you have a CAD model that you wish to bring inworld, you will want to convert it into a Collada model format. There are many ways of doing this:

• Autocad 2008 can produce a KML model which is a zipped up Collada file.
• You can use the FBX intermediate format to convert AutoCAD or Inventor 3D models to .DAE files or .DAE files to AutoCAD DWG or Inventor models. Alternatively, the applications Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya support direct export to the Autodesk Collada format.
• There is a free application by Autodesk called the "FBX Converter" (www.autodesk.com/fbx). With the FBX Converter you can convert your 3DS or DXF file (both can be exported from AutoCAD) to a .DAE (Collada) file -- first convert to FBX then from FBX to DAE. The opposite way is also possible: Convert DAE to FBX and then FBX to 3DS or DXF (both can be imported to AutoCAD - see 3DSIN and DXFIN).
• Polytrans provides high quality conversions between multiple formats (http://www.okino.com)
  • CAD compatibility chart: http://www.okino.com/conv/filefrmt_cad.htm
  • BREP solids converter: http://www.okino.com/conv/imp_granite.htm
  • Autodesk Inventor: http://www.okino.com/solutions/autodesk_inventor.htm
  • Catia CAD converter: http://www.okino.com/conv/imp_catia5.htm
  • Solidworks converter: http://www.okino.com/conv/imp_sw.htm
  • Collada exporter: http://www.okino.com/conv/exp_collada.htm
  • Collada test example: http://www.okino.com/conv/exp_collada_example_file.htm

Guides¶

• We have created a guide to converting CAD to Collada using PolyTrans