Rendered CAD to Illustrator?

[jonpdrew]

Hi all,

I create my 3D artwork in AutoCAD 2000i, then view define the wireframe solid so it is merely a 2D line drawing which then gets saved as a DXF. From there I import the DXF into Illustrator 10 and I have a perfect line drawing that I can turn into a nice colored illustration. So my question is has anybody rendered an object in AutoCAD, view defined the rendering, and then tried to bring it into Illustrator? Is this even possible? I'm trying to streamline my production time for projects and cut down on the length of time it takes me to create illustrations. Any ideas would be appreciated, thanks.

Jon

 

[fizzak]

So my question is has anybody rendered an object in AutoCAD, **view defined the rendering**, and then tried to bring it into Illustrator?"

Define this, It's been a long time since I've used any sort of CAD but I might know some tricks.

Are you trying to render shaded 3D to vector art? This is possible with 3DSMAX or cheaper yet, Swift 3D.

 

[jonpdrew]

Well, the problem here is I need editible artwork so I guess I'm in need of vector artwork. Swift 3d didn't meet my needs. Whereas 3D max can take a solid and change it to a wireform (not a wireframe) like a chanin link fence effect, Swift 3D could not. It just gave me a solid plane. I also work in 3D MAX but my Forte is creating things in AutoCAD. I import my CAD drawings into MAX for animation work only because I'm not the best at modeling in that program yet. For my illustrations I need it in Illustratorand as vector artwork. I can't have any jagged lines like you would find in raster artwork. My client specifically requested this so I'm just trying to follow orders. The look I accomplish is really a colorized technical illustration. I'm not trying to get the photo real look at all since that would clash with the look of other illustration. Thanks for the answer and have a good weekend.

Jon