3D - 2

Is there a simple free program available to convert 2D autocad drawings to 3D models?

I have a few simple DXF drawings I need to convert to 3D models. Unfortunately I know begger all about CAD! I heard it may be possible to get a program that can just convert them into 3D if you tell it to what depth to extrude (or whatever). Can anyone help please?

Public Comments

1. It can be done but you wont get a program for free... its also very hard to do
2. As of today, there is no such tool. Try with AutoCAD extrude tool manually. There are commercial services to do the hardwork for you, but nothing free, unfortunately.
3. Autodesk's Inventor might be able to do what you want, its hard to say without seeing the files. You could create a 3d model in acad, but it takes a while, especially if there are a lot of parts. If your not familiar with acad or inventor I'd say its going to be to difficult for you. You might want to ask if someone will do it for you, but that means you need a way to get them the file, and for them to give it back to you 3d models are offen to big for e-mail.
4. use autocad to convert click "file" "export " save type as 3D studio (*.3ds)
5. Hi there - yes there is a solution and - thanks to Google - it is free. Go and download Google's SketchUp at: http://www.sketchup.com/ This is an amazing 3d modeling program and incredibly simple to get to grips with. It comes with great video tutorials on the website and you don't have to be a cad expert to follow them. You will be able to import your dxf files and build the 3d directly ontop using the dxf as your guide. There are programs you can buy which do similar intuitive parametric 3d such as Autodesk's Inventor and Revit. It depends on exacltly what you are modeling. But SketchUp is the top allrounder for all levels.