Difference between a autocad model and 3dsmax model

[pradipta]

Hi,

 

I mainly do renderes in 3dsmax using the autocad drawings provided by the clients. Sometimes, I get enquiry making the model in autocad itself. But, I prefer using 3dsmax all the time. I can also maintain the same layer as mentioned in the cad.

 

I would like to know what differences can there be on the model if it is done using 3dsmax and not in cad? Is the difference a major issue?

 

Thanks in advance for any idea on this.

[neko]

the only difference i can think of is that an autocad model would contain solid objects, not surfaces.

 

i'm guessing that you get requests for autocad models because your clients are trying to use your .max model in autocad ? which means that the objects come in as surfaces, which can be harder to work with in autocad.

 

other than that, i can't see why you should change your methods if you are more comfortable with max. i model almost 95% in autocad, but everyone has their preferences.

 

hope that helps

 

paul

[Ricardo Eloy]

I've always found Max to be a lot more flexible than CAD. Modeling organic stuff (and even inorganic) can be more fun and intuitive, not to mention you get all the benefits of working with modifiers. I used to be a CAD modeller, but I do prefer Max, nowadays. Anyway, there's no reason why you should change, unless you are requested to sell a CAD model, not a pic.

[vizwhiz]

one difference To keep in mind is That a client who requests an autocad 3d model

will be able To OPEN The 3d model in autocad and view it work with it and etc

 

but unless They have 3dsmax (and consider The backward compatibility issues) They will not be able To make use, open, or modify The 3dsmax 3d model

 

just something To consider

[chiquito]

I used to draw 3D from autocad, and from there exported it to max.

Drawing in max in simplier, but if im dealing with complex scenarios in autocad, being this fron the client, I would go for autocad. The reason for this is the shortage in back and forth corrections. If I model correcltly in autocad, lets say a facade of a bouilding, where lots of pieces reapeat, and after a while I found out that the piece needed to be adjusted 4 cms at the joint with blA BLA BLA... Im just at a double click from the solution for the whole model. (by editing the block in autocad) from there is back to 3d max.

As for diferences in modelling, I guess you will find advantages and disavantages, it will depend in each case.

[pradipta]

Thanks to everybody for giving me ideas on the topics.

 

Paul: lot of cleint asks for cad model instead of 3dsmax model, so, that came to me as confusing. and when i say i can convert the max model into dwg for them once it is complete, they gets panicked. Yes, the surface issue can come up with a problem.

 

Rick: yes, i find 3dsmax extremely flecbile to use rather than cad. I am not in the line of chaning my work procedure, but, convincing cleint become difficult sometimes.

 

Randy: That will not be an issue, since, i will convert 3dsmax file back into dwg.

 

Martin: What tools you have mentioned (block in autocad) can also achieved to some extents in 3dsmax with the Instance tool. I need to explore soe more te compatibility issue to make sure i can go with the proces of converting from 3dsmax to dwg seamlessly.

[vizwhiz]

Pradipta:

 

will a 3dsmax file converted back into autocad still be editable in autocad?

will it still have solids? or will it be only meshes, faces? idle curiosity, dont

 

know The answer To This but interested in whatever The answer is

 

Thanks in advance

 

randy

(depends upon what The definition of 'is' is. ok jest joking)

[chiquito]

I dont think it will, at least, to what I have done, when imported back to autocad it looks like a 3d mesh, not solid, and solid operation do not function, I ignore if theres a function that allows the files to traspas in solids. I always did it as export 3ds.

[pradipta]

Randy: I ahve already worked on several projects where I have modeled in 3dsmax based on cad 2d drawings (plan/elevations), and then converted the model back into dwg to be able to view from cad. But never did any editing in cad on the 3dsmax model afterwards. i will definitely explore these areas some more and let you know what I can come across.

 

Martin: that will be a great tool to add in 3dsmax...

[Ricardo Eloy]

Bottomline here is: the client wants to be able to open the 3D file (he doesn't have 3dmax) and play with it, take as many different views as he wants without having to pay you for that. It's that simple. If this isn't the case, then it really doesn't matter where you model your stuff.

Chiquito: actually, in Max you also can modify stuff really fast, simply copying them as instances. Modify one, the rest will follow.