Web accessible 3d interactive tour of a machine from 2d AutoCAD files

[Gibba]

Hi
I need to make a web accessible 3d interactive tour of a machine from 2d AutoCAD files.
(it will eventually be large mining equipment but for now I am just planning on demoing something very simple eg a light post.)
What the users need to be able to do:
1. Find out specific details of individual parts.
2. Ability to go to sections/parts of machine by clicking a button (e.g. front, back, engine, feeder etc)
I need some help choosing what programs to use, assuming cost is no issue for software. I would prefer to use software that is widely used, as training is easier from the web.
Please help, I am not design based and will eventually be handing this off to technical staff but I need to create a working demo asap.
Cheers!!!

[Drazan]

If you have the AutoCad files in 2d you could just use the 3d interface of AutoCad to translate those dimensions to a working 3d models. Look at the Autodesk suite of products one of those are probably your best choice.

There's a bit of a learning curve to any 3d program and 3d technology.

Then you can use After Effect / Flash to create the interaction.

That said, it took about 6 months for me to get comfortable with creating 3d models. And a couple months for the basic knowledge of AE and Flash.

Good luck,
Jade

[Gibba]

Thanks for your reply

So your suggestion is AutoCad/ 3Ds Max for the modeling and After Effect/ Flash for the interaction.

That is a great help and to be honest I dont need to create something great right now. I just need to do the basics and then I will pass it on to a Flash developer and a design team.

Thanks again

[Drazan]

In this case 3dmax is not the best choice.

The difference between 3dmax and AutoCad is a matter of dimension.

3Dmax is an organic based 3d modeling system. It uses less accurate dimension modeling and rather works with subdivided meshes that you can push and pull into shapes.

AutoCad does have a 3D feature that you can type in the xyz and radius dimensions to get accurate real world models. This method, I think, would be easier for you because then you can just use the 2d drawing dimensions and type those into the 3d space to create your objects.
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=2704278
Take a look at the 3D preview/walkthrough.

Model the individual parts that you want to zoom into, seperately. You can use AE to animate the "zoom into effect" and it also has 3d support to make the part do a 360 turn virtually.

After Effects and Flash work hand in hand to create the interaction, yes. Flex is also an option for some of the interaction. All three of these tools work together in CS4.

:)
Jade