Is there propane tanks in the catalog someplace? I need several sizes, 100, 250 and 750 pound, but I could use any size that had the style of those tanks. (i.e. The tanks that are about 16" diameter and 4 foot high, 30" diameter and 3' high and the large 3 or 4' diameter by 6 to 10' long horizontal style.)
Tom
I don't think so. I needed one a couple years ago and could not find one in TFP catalog; but may be added; search TFP catalog.
Solutions:
- within TFP, merge a sphere at each end of a cylinder (Allan can make just about anything from within TFP)
- search Google for 3D objects: tank, propane or similar
- Use another 3D program to create one; many free progs, pretty easy object to do. SketchUp comes to mind
- Search SketchUp warehouse and import a .skp file (that imports with your TFP ver.)
- find something close and modify to meet your needs
Just adding to what Doug has suggested, Allan is the master at building within the software, I however struggle with it, so I have made my own gas tanks in past (in TurboCAD), but as Doug said, 3D Warehouse is a great resource, and I downloaded the skp tank (below) which is great...why re-invent the wheel! It is easy to import, detailed, and can be re-sized to whatever size you need...enjoy!
Gaz
Thanks for the suggestions but I have to ask for a bit more detail to try them. I use Alibre most days and would find it trivial to draw the tanks I need. I use TFP Home and Landscape Pro v16.0 and when I look at file-import if says I can "Import CAD file...". From Alibre I can export .stp (3 types), .igs, .sat(10 types), .jpg, .bmp, .png, .tiff, .gif, .sldprt, .x_t or .bip files. I have never used any of these formats and know nothing about them. On the Alibre forum pages I have seen threads about importing or exporting autocad files but I've never tried to decipher those threads.
1) Which one of the Alibre exports can be used as a TFP import (if any)?
2) While trying to import the .skp file I found on the "Open" page a choice of .dxf, .3ds, and .skp filetypes. Is that possible the only types of "CAD" files that FTP can use?
3) I tried to import the "Gas bottle.skp" file using TFP using the wizard. It seemed to work and I tried to put it into the HVAC folder. However, when I then tried to put it into a FTP drawing I could not find it. Where do things like this go? What is the correct import path?
Actually for my "big building" (mentioned in another thread) I also need the import from CAD capability so this is a process I need to understand. (My big building is almost drawn and I will return to the other thread to show it and ask some more questions shortly. It has taken about half my life for the past several weeks.)
Tom
Hi Tom,
I can relate to the problem of the missing items in your catalogs, I have often imported objects that seemed to disappear into cyberspace! Others on this forum will be able to help you with that problem. What I do is keep a folder of all the common objects I import like gas tanks, cars, water fountains... (in effect it is my own separate "catalog"), and use the following process in TFP:
1. File -> Import -> Object Wizard
2. Select from .dxf, .3ds or .skp (.skp in this case)
3. From the window, give it a name (gas tank) and a catagory (exterior accessory)
4. Now the object is in your model, right click on it and choose Properties. You can now resize it and add materials to it. Remember to uncheck "Uniform scale" if you want it to be in different proportions (like very tall and slim)
This way I avoid the internal catalogs, and I only import objects as I need them.
Hope this helps.
Gaz.
I usually import as CADman/Gaz does.
However if I plan to use the item often I add to catalog....file/catalog/add item to catalog, then click on item (from memory so may be similar, not exact).
Almost everything is best saved in "interior accessories" (except lights and landscape items. .bim files load per their own internal content design). I have a folder for my imports in interior accessories, then drag the items into that folder using the elements manager (right click on catalog item).
If you can't find something in the catalog, search the catalog for the object's key name word(s).
All methods of import above are quite valid and each has its purpose.
FIle / Import / Object Wizard imports only into the model, not the catalogue so unless you add it later you will not find it again as it is not there. You can add it to the catalogue later by going to File / Catalogues/ Add object to Catalogue (or something like that - TFP not open at present). It wil then add it in the folder category you selected during the original import (eg Exterior Accessories).
The simplest way of importing to a specific category of the catalogue so you do not lose it, is to simply click into the onscreen catalogue category you want, right click and choose Add Element and then "Import geometry from file". The object will then go exactly where you selected.
DXF, 3DS and SKP are the only valid 3D file formats accepted. DWG, JPG and BMP can be used for 2D purposes or as photoboards and background images.
Allan
Quote from: Allan Chesney on February 07, 2013, 01:05:22 PM
snip
DXF, 3DS and SKP are the only valid 3D file formats accepted. Allan
If you have a different 3D file format (such as .obj) you can usually convert to a format TFP uses. Some free some cost; search www for 3D converters.
I use TFP to convert .skp files to .3ds for uses in programs that do not import .skp.