boolean help!!

[notamondayfan]

hey guys,

 

major problem. doing a 13 storey apartment flats. been given 2 days (6 hr 2 go!!) and im subtracting the window holes from my main block, using the boolean too. this seems to crash the files, and some times it wont even let me into the files before it crashes.

 

any advice??

 

thanks, dean

[CosmicKitten]

Hmmm.. That's interesting. Can you give more information about your modelling technique? Are you using the boolean just one time, or using it again and again?

 

I'm planning to do the same thing in my project, because I'm running out of time, too. I'm modelling 4 apartment blocks. I started the model with a box, convert it to editable poly. Currently modelling the details.. I'll subtract the window holes, when I finish all the details.. Then see what happens.

 

CosmicKitten

[notamondayfan]

to save time i connect all the windows which sit on the same plane. then use the boolean tool.

 

all my boxes are editable polys, as i mainly box model everythink i make.

[Brian Smith]

First thing I would make sure is that you're building is close to the origin so that the accuracy with long, and skinny faces aren't an issue. I would then add the Subdivide modifier, do the boolean, then optimize to get the faces back down. Have you tried collapsing to a mesh rather than a poly. I would also try highlighting all the faces, detaching to a new object, then doing the boolean. I would then try breaking the building up into smaller sections and doing the boolean on each one. There's a reason it's happening and with enough playing around you can find it. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like you have the time.

[CosmicKitten]

Yep. I agree with Brian. Detaching the faces would be a solution. By doing so, you can also find out if there's something wrong with the model.

 

If your problem exists, you can send me the max file (PM or e-mail) and I can take a look at it. Are using max 7 or 8?

 

CosmicKitten

[notamondayfan]

its max 6. i will try detaching. it makes sence. jus more time wasted.

 

will also try subdivide thingy, but cant see it working tbh.

 

will let u know.

[beestee]

Collapse the object to an editable mesh after your boolean operations.

 

IMPORTANT: If you need to get back to your boolean operations, you will need a backup of the original base object and the operands, or the object with the boolean modifier still intact. Save the backup in a seperate file because any objects that contain boolean operations that are resident within the file that you are working on will affect the performance of additional booleans. Keep in mind that once you collapse your object, you will not be able to "undo" the operation, thus the need to have a backup saved elsewhere.

 

Just as a side note, if you are going to use boolean operations frequently in your projects, such as with window and door openings, you might look into the Power Booleans plugin which is now owned by Autodesk. I think it is available for approximately $400 on Turbo Squid. That might seem like a lot for a plugin that only improves a feature that you already have, but I personally believe it is well worth the cost, especially when you run into this sort of problem. It also fixes many other issues that are associated with the standard Max boolean operation.

 

EDIT: http://www.turbosquid.com/FullPreview/index.cfm/ID/228190

[notamondayfan]

thanks for ur help guys. eventually just split the model into about 20 parts, and then stiched it bk together after the booleaning.

 

benjamin, thanks 4 the tip, and may look into power booleans.

 

i regularly save, and make itterations of my files, incase a file corrupts, or do an undoable thing. think im on file number 15 now! lol

 

cheers guys!!