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How to convert Bentley AutoPLANT to DirectX (.x)?

PolyTrans|CAD+DCC performs mathematically precise CAD, DCC/Animation, GIS and BIM 3D file conversions into all key downstream 3D packages and file formats. Okino software is used and trusted throughout the world by many tens of thousands of 3D professionals in mission & production critical environments, backed by respectable personal support directly from our core development team.

Bentley AutoPLANT

Bentley's AutoPLANT is the premier plant design software used around the world. It provides plant engineers and designers with a complete set of integrated software applications that are highly intuitive and easy to use. AutoPLANT uses the Autodesk ObjectARX technology.

To convert from AutoPLANT to Okino software:

1. 1) Install the Bentley AutoPLANT Object Enabler into AutoCAD. Once enabled, import the DWG file from AutoPLANT into AutoCAD then re-export to the DWF-3D file format. Read the DWF-3D file into Okino software.
   
   
2. 2) Import the DWG file into Autodesk Navisworks then re-export to DWF-3D file format. Read the DWF-3D file into Okino software.

DirectX

.x files are the native 3D file format of the legacy Microsoft DirectX v2/v3 API and 3D toolkit. They were generally associated with 3D gaming whereby low polygon meshes with skinning (deformation) and "animation sets/clips" were the required norm. At the time of its introduction in 1995 there really wasn't any other similar 3D file formats which supported these capabilities in one, well defined and easily accessible format. Direct3D shipped for the first time in the DirectX 2.0 SDK in June 1996

Historically, the DirectX technology was developed a company called Rendermorphics of the UK which Microsoft purchased in February 1995. As little known history, 3 companies in the UK developed advanced realtime rendering toolkits prior to 1995: Argonaut Software (BRender), Criterion Software (RenderWare) and Rendermorphics (Reality Lab). Microsoft was to license the Argonaut 3D toolkit but opted to purchase the entire Rendermorphics company instead, at the last moment. As these various toolkits often sold for $50k at that time, the other two competitors eventually went out of business once Microsoft started giving DirectX away for free.

Okino knows of the .x file format well as it was the first company to properly and fully implement a DirectX importer and exporter, including full support for skinning and animation at a time when no other software provided such conversion support.

The DirectX file format had a long life until some people inside and outside of Microsoft started to push the FBX file format instead.

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DWF import converter's overview

DirectX export converter's overview