Convering .hul to cad file - is it possible?

[Rasman]

Question as per topic,
Can you convert .hul files from chine hull designer, into some other 3d tool? I would like to make some renderings to post for comments.

edit: I found the answer - I found some dxf files in the hulls folder.

Great Program - very hard to understand at the start, and I would like to be able to select how many points I can edit (how many bulkheads etc) but so far so good.

[Raggi_Thor]

I see that the hul file is readable, it's not binary or encrypted, so it should be possible.
On the other hand, you can allways export to dxf and import to Rhino for example.

[Rasman]

Ok, Exported as dxf, into progecad - now.. how do I see it in 3-d? I tried the 3d view controls, but they didnt really work.

[Raggi_Thor]

Maybe the dxf is 2D only?
If so, you have to export all the frames/stations, move them to the right location and then build the surfaces. IntelliCAD should be able to build one surface from chine to chine in a multichine hull, using the command RULESURF.

[etech_engineeri]

Doing design, 3D model and drafting, 2D to 3D conversion in Solidworks, Unigraphics, AutoCAD softwares in competitive rates (US$ 8 to 12/hr).

[CGN]

You won't see a 3D file, is a 2D, but the funny thing is that if you open the same file in rhino it shows it as a 3D file, so if you are going to use progecad you can rotate the frames to turn it into a 3d wireframe, I attached a small animation showing "rotate3d" to turn the 2d wireframe into a 3D, but I couldn't make the "spline" work in 3D I wanted to do the model but I don't know why the spline is not working on 3D space, should work I guess.

good luck

[Rasman]

etech_engineeri: I can do 3d modeling myself, but thanks for the offer

See, shes a little bit complex. I spent quite a while getting her to this stage and it would be a pitty to just lose it all and have to start again.

I'm very happy with the shape and the waterline, but getting it into 3d is proving to be a biatch!

I might have to take a look at rhino if you say this seems to do it. I hope its free.

Feedback on the hull is also welcome.

[Rasman]

I tried rhino... didnt really do much in the way of 3d...

[CGN]

Rasman, I use Rhino V2, see attached image it shows the wireframe in 3D when i open the dxf file from hulls, i think i know what you mean about the 3D, you won't see the same model that you see on screen on hulls, hulls export only sections, plan view and profile, you need to use a sofwtare like rhino to re-draw the chines.

[Rasman]

Well that is frustratingly ultra gay. I think I'm just going to do a model in 3dsmax. I have to teach myself CAD, I've tried a few times but just cant get my head around it.
Pretty silly really considering im proficient in 3ds. I guess I havent really tried.

[Tim B]

3ds isn't a CAD package. Neither is 3dsMax. They are Modelling packages primarily, and I would be concerned about accuracy and the number of features for volumes/areas and the like (I haven't used Max though, so I may be wrong). Rhino is one of the most powerful and most intuitive 3D packages I have found so far. It sounds to me like you're trying to jump in with both feet without taking the time to understand the problem. There is no quick way to learn CAD. It has taken me 7 years, and I've only just started to really get to grips with it.

However, I can strongly suggest a few things that might make it a bit quicker. Firstly, go and buy a book on surfacing with a few bits of example code in it, then type in the examples and play with them until you understand what's going on.

Secondly, work out the relationship between curves and surfaces (This is probably inherent in part 1).

Thirdly, try every piece of software on the web until you find one that's easy to use.

CAD is not hard, it just requires steady thought and a bit of planning.

Tim B.

[Tactic]

This might help.
http://webpages.charter.net/rickmala...sy%20Steps.htm

Tactic

[Rasman]

The purpose isnt to get a 100% accurate model which will be CNC'ed to perfection, I wont be using any details and scales from the actual model as the skillset I am working with doesnt allow it. I will just be using visual aids etc to get the point accross.
3dsmax can do accurate scales if you want, but again, thats not the purpose.