Numbers in filenames are replaced with “$f”, with the number in brackets off the end of the filename. Also, Houdini won’t display files properly. I supposed I could learn how to create the model completely from scratch in Houdini, but I really like how AutoCAD works for creating profiles because of its object snap/tracking and the ability to easily work in large scales etc. So I want to see if I can get a workflow from AutoCAD to Houdini, even if I just use AutoCAD to create basic profiles with no 3D objects. Its particle effects and its procedural workflow sound interesting. However, I’m really interested in Houdini. I think I just need to tidy up the profile before revolving it. I’ve tried importing the revolved 3D version into Maya. Maybe the scale is the problem? I’m designing a rotating space station (like in the movie Elysium) and the geometry is 10,000 units (meters) wide and offset from the WCS origin by 64,000 units. But now all I have are basic arcs and lines on a flat plane.

I started with a version that has a 3D object created by revolving polylines. I’ve tried the R12, 2000, and 2004 versions of the DXF format. Nothing shows up and when I double click the node to see what’s in it, it has a file icon with red diagonal stripes in the background. I’ve just downloaded Houdini FX Apprentice 13 for Mac and I’m having trouble importing geometry from a DXF file created by AutoCAD 2014 for Mac. I’ve used AutoCAD, 3D Max (or was it 3D Studio Viz?), and LightWave 3D about 10-15 years ago and have decided to get back into 3D modelling and animation.

Autocad to maya