houdini curve to AutoCAD/dwg/Illustrator

tkluysk · Lurker Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 9 Location: LA

I'm trying to find a good solution to cleanly translate a simple Houdini curve (an open polyline or NURBS curve) for import in AutoCAD. Ideally .dwg format. I could be happy with just getting into Illustrator, but the real challenge is AutoCAD.

To be honest, I've already done it. Export as IGES, then import in AutoCAD using a custom importer:
http://www.sharewareconnection.com/iges-import-for-autocad.htm
It's 200$ though, and I'm looking for a free, and (ideally) clean and easy solution.

Shoot!

edward · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:10 am GMT Post subject:

I haven't tried but polygon lines might transfer via .dxf files.

kuba · Houdini Expert Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 343

There are some differences how houdini outputs header information in dxf files then how it is in autocad. Most of the time i was getting a nasty crash while loading them. Looks like autocad is looking for some lines which are not exported from houdini. On the other hand Rhino or Bricscad handle them correctly. Sadly houdini is not a perfect tool for working together with CAD Software. For me though IGES and Rhino (as a converter) combination is quite decent solution.
Cheers,
Kuba

tkluysk · Lurker Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 9 Location: LA

Yeah, dxf is not an option. The Houdini export to dxf insists on triangulating (even curves), with disastrous results.

I'll try the Rhino way, but I'm open for more suggestions.

Thanks!

kuba · Houdini Expert Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 343

What I would like to see in the next houdini releases is opnNurbs and dwg support. That would be a huge improvement and would link the gap between most of the CAD software.

tkluysk · Lurker Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 9 Location: LA

I'm on Mac and I got lucky: there's a free-to-use dev version of Rhino available for download. Rhino does a superb job at importing my Houdini IGES, and exporting it as a dwg. It imports flawlessly into Illustrator and AutoCAD.

http://community.irhino3d.com/