How can I export Tekla Structures 3D objects as 3D solids to AutoCAD 3D DWG format?
2023
Tekla Structures
2022
Tekla Structures
2021
Tekla Structures
2020
Tekla Structures
2024
Tekla Structures
2025
Tekla Structures
Environment
Not environment-specific
Question:
Export to 3D DWG options are not working correctly in the exported 3D DWG files. In 3D DWG files, Tekla Structures 3D objects are exported as Polyface mesh objects, not as 3D solids.
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Answer:
By default, the 3D DWG export in Tekla Structures uses Open Design Alliance (ODA) toolkit to export 3D DWG format, and the 3D objects will be exported as polyface meshes. In the Export 3D DWG dialog box, there is no direct option to convert Tekla 3D objects directly into CAD solid objects.
There is a workaround available in AutoCAD for converting polyface mesh objects to 3D solids. Follow the steps below to convert PolyfaceMesh → Mesh → Convert to Solid.
- Open the DWG file that you exported from Tekla Structures in the latest version of AutoCAD.
- Switch to the 3D Modeling workspace.
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- On the ribbon, click the Mesh tab.
- In the Mesh panel, click the small down arrow for more options. This will open the Mesh tessellation options.
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- Click the Select objects to tessellate button to select objects in the CAD model and press Enter.
- The recommendation in mesh options is to set Mesh type to Mostly Quads and then click the Mesh Primitives button, select Box and define Tessellation Divisions Length 3, Width 3, Height 3.
- Click OK and again OK in the Mesh tessellation options dialog box.
- Enter the command SMOOTHMESHCONVERT and then set the value to "3" or "2" based on your requirements.
- Now click the Convert to Solid button, select objects, and press enter. You can find Convert to Solid on the Mesh tab → Convert Mesh panel.
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End result:
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See also: