DXF import, conversion

Support Modeling
#1

Hi, 3D veteran but Blender noob here. I’ve exported a DXF from Carrara and would like to work further on it in Blender. It’s got several cylindar shapes, and is pretty faceted. I can’t seem to find a way to smooth it automatically, as I can with “Set Smooth” and a newly created cylindar. Would the best way be to keep subdividing till it’s smooth enough…? Thanks, Richard

#2

You could try adding a subsurf modifier to it, that would smooth it out.

#3

Most DXF’s need to “Remove Doubles”, W key in Edit mode, or each face remains a seperate facet.

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#4

Both of these tips worked well!

It looks best if I Remove Doubles then do Set Smooth (is that equivalent to adding a modifier; or does it only affect the object’s display…?)

-Rich

#5

The latter one. It does only display the existing geometry with ‘smooth’ gradients to simulate roundness - without adding geometry. It’s a render-trick.

EDIT: See http://mediawiki.blender.org/index.php/Manual/Meshes#Smoothing (and http://mediawiki.blender.org/index.php/Manual/PartII/Modelling/Modifier/SubSurf in contrast)

Werner

#6

Thanks for the clarification. Much appreciated.
Coming from a RayDream/Carrara world, I’ve got much to learn about different modeling paradigms found in Blender.

-Rich