Display full version of the post: Newbee Question

Wilcox
26.11.2008, 15:24
I am trying to figure something out for people at work here.  We use AUTOCAD and Solid Edge in manufacturing currently.  When doing a design we sometimes need a part (drawing) from another company to incorporate in our design.  Problem being is that many of those designs are not available in a dxf file.  I do have hard copies or save off the internet.  What I am wondering, if you have a hard copy and scan and make a pdf file, is there any way to import that into a AutoCAD program?  For example, this is referring to the auto industry.  If your making something to be installed on a vehicle, but you can’t get a AutoCAD drawing of the vehicle, but have a spec book with dimensional pictures (cad style), is it possible to put that into our AutoCAD so we can make sure that what we build is going to fit correctly?
 
Hope this makes sense.

rossassociates
26.11.2008, 16:38
Everything is possible... :)It depends on the version of AutoCAD you use...  I don't know the complete ins and outs of the latest versions...You could use something like Scan2CAD, which can convert raster to vector images..  DXF, although it takes a bit of tweaking and practice..Or you could import a raster image straight into AutoCAD and trace over it..Of course either way you will need to scale it correctly.Another option is to use a tablet and go over the drawing and effectively trace it in..HTH