CAD to MAX

[raterry]

Hi, this could be a question for CAD/ADT people or MAX people or both.

 

I generally model everything in MAX but sometimes import the CAD floorplans to use as a template to start my model. This time I was given a CAD file of a building which looks like it has already been modeled. I know alot of you model in CAD and render in MAX. I think I can take advantage of the fact the building is already modeled and just texture, light and render it in MAX. I just wanted to know if there were any tricks or pitfalls I should look out for when I import the file to MAX? or is there anything special about the fact that the CAD file is 3D vs. 2D? I'm pretty CAD illiterate so I just want to avoid doing something that will cost me time.

 

Thanks for any input.

-=Rob

[ShaunDon]

It depends on the DWG and how the cadder modeled it -- sometimes I get perfectly clean imports, while some I get nothing but fractured faces, randomly flipped normals, etc. If you're rendering scanline, forcing 2-sided will fix this. For VRay it's a bit more complicated -- reflective/refractive materials will still be glitchy if the normals are all over the place. To say nothing of whether or not it's even a clean model (no double faces).

 

As a rule we do not work with our clients CAD models for finished renderings as it's just too much work. Separating out objects by materials and cleaning up fractured faces is time consuming, and when you consider the lack of detail in most models from architectural firms, you're really not doing yourself any favors. The only time we tend to waive this is for schematic design work.

 

Try importing the DWG into max directly as well as exporting a 3DS from AutoCAD. Fiddle with the options, but generally the only thing I leave on is auto-welding at 0.1"

 

Good luck!

Shaun

[raterry]

Thanks, Shaun. I see what your saying. If it's a sloppy CAD model then I'll just redo it. Again, thanks for the input.

-=Rob