Hey, I just wanted to see if you guys have ever converted surfcad files into shape3d format. I heard that you can open the surfcad files in shape3d and then tweek them. I tried to download the free trial @ shape3d.com but I have a mac and it doesnt seem to want to convert. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Mike
shape3d readily handles AutoDeskInterchange (.dxf), IGES (.igs) and VRML (*.wrl) .
I believe you will need the CNC version to import from SurfCAD.
If you are able to establish G-code files in SurfCAD, then this may work as well…
Shape3d is PC software.Thats why it would’nt install on your Mac. You can run it on your Mac using Vitual PC but, it will run quite slow. For what you pay for Virtual PC you can buy a used PC that will run a heck of a lot faster. The new Intel Macs can now run Windows natively thru a hack that allows dual booting but its a real bitch to configure and you will need to buy a copy of Windows XP. If you want to play around with surfboard design software that runs on a Mac, the APS 3000 software will run on OSX.
Hey, Thanks guys.
Mike
Shape 3D is a great program and worth buying a PC to run it. PC’s are so cheap. Just go for it. Buy the program as well. Version 7.
Hey Mike,
I just talked to John from 3dm and he said that there is a utility to translate a file from surfcad. Not sure what is involved but he said it’s pretty straight forward.
If you have specific questions for him, he has a new email/website which is still in development
http://www.surfboardshapingmachine.com/index.htm
He mentioned that there may be an issue with the email link but it should be resolved soon.
Lance
Hi guys,
Shape3d can read SurfCad 2 files since version 7. You just have to open it (menu Files/Open…, choose SurfCAD 2 files (*.srf) in the file type dropdown list), and you can save it as a Shape3d model.
If you don’t want to load up bootcamp, you can try the latest version of BoardCAD(Beta) which have a much improved .srf reader compared to previous version. BoardCAD does not save in shape3d format but in .brd, but Shape3D will open the resulting .brd file if you want to have it cut somewhere.