Errors During CAD File Conversion
Here are some hints that will help you to recognize potential reasons for errors if a CAD file cannot be converted.
Import Cancelled with Error
Arbortext IsoDraw cancels the import and shows an error message.
Most likely one of the following errors has occurred:
1. The file has been written in an unsupported format.
2. The file contained unsupported elements. These included impermissible solids in IGES files.
3. A general error has occurred, e.g. lack of memory or a read error.
In these cases, first check the file format (IGES, VRML, Wavefront, DXF or AutoCad-DWG are allowed). Then check whether Arbortext IsoDraw has written a log file with error messages. This file would then be located in the same directory where the CAD file resides. It can be opened using any text editor.
File has been Imported, but Nothing is Visible
In most cases, the reason for this is that the objects have been imported using the CAD system’s coordinate system. This may lead to a situation where the objects are located far outside the drawing surface, or are very large in size. Try the following steps:
1. Click on the
Extent
tool. The entire drawing then appears on the screen.
2. Switch to preview mode and back in the Window menu. This makes it easier to detect white lines.
3. If you still cannot see anything, an error might have occurred during import. Look for the log file in the source file folder and check for errors in there.
4. Try to convert the 3D data to 2D and look again. Not all elements are displayed in the 3D window; some will not become visible until after the projection.
Not all Elements are Displayed
For reasons of speed and time the 3D objects are only displayed roughly in 3D mode. Text elements will not be displayed. All the elements will become visible once conversion to 2D elements has been completed.
Hidden Lines have not been Removed
You have imported a CAD file that did not contain any surface information, or you have selected the Wireframe option in the dialog box.
Structures of Assemblies in IGES, VRML or Wavefront Formats are not Recognized.
No corresponding entries are made in the generating system.
When exporting from the CAD program, details of the assembly structure have not been adopted in the format.