No 3D data upon DWG or DXF import from ArchiCAD

Question

I have been trying several times to import 3D models that were generated using ArchiCAD 11 & 12 into Acrobat 3D Version 8. I was using different approaches on each attempt. ArchiCAD is not installed on my computer.
Importing the models as .DWG file returns a 2D floor plan drawing while importing as .DXF returns a 2d floor plan that can be moved around and rotated in 3D space. After importing as .DXF the model tree is included in the PDF. However, the 3D data has no 3D information but remains a plain 2D drawing.
Is this an Acrobat 3D issue or is there a way to maintain the 3d data upon importing?
I am no CAD expert at all.
Thanks in andvance.
digital_rescue

Answer 1

Adam,
The export filters that you've seen are used in Structured FM when the graphics have been imported by copy (which isn't really a recommended practice in the first place). You set up the read/write rules to specify what format to export the graphics as.
However, if you use a standard workflow where the graphics are imported by reference, there is nothing to export as the graphics are always available externally.
If you're expecting the entire FM "page" to be exported in DWG/DXF format, then this is simply not possible from FM. There are third-party PDF to CAD export utilities available, which may be worth considering if you need the entire page exported.
If your client just wants access to the DWG or DXF files when working through the documentation, then using a tool like Microtype's TimeSavers to create an interactive PDF Portfolio with links to the original CAD files from the FM files would be the route to go. You can also include fully interactive 3D CAD drawings into the PDFs via FM, giving your client the ability to interactively explore parts assemblies in the documentation.
For background on PDF Portfolios, see:
http://www.layersmagazine.com/build-a-better-portfolio.html
http://acrobatusers.com/tutorials/combining-files-pdf-portfolios
http://acrobatusers.com/tutorials/acrobat-9-pdf-portfolios
there are quite alot of tutorials and videos on the Acrobat Users site on Portfolios weel worth exploring.
For TimeSavers general see: http://www.microtype.com/timesavers.html
For 3D samples see: http://www.microtype.com/showcase3DAsst.html