Steps of precise modelling?

[mpd]

Hi. I've been using AutoCAD (not ADT) for a time and started to learn MAX 5 recently.

 

I've encountered face and normal problems when I imported dwg files into MAX.

 

So I've tried to learn some modelling techniques in Max like Nurbs, Patch, Boolean, Editable Poly modelling. In all it's harder to draw/model precisely than in AutoCAD. (Editable poly looks a little promising though)

 

What techniques do you pros use to model especially buildings.

AutoCAD+MAX users please tell me about your steps.

 

Thanx.

[Mike Hagelsieb]

I had the same problem importing to Max from Datacad(Different Cad app). The way I resolved the issue was to pay attention to the direction you draw lines in cad. Whether it's up or down...figure out which direction gives you the faces oriented the way you want. It takes importing a few tests from autocad to max to see how everything looks. It might seem to be a hassle at first but once you get accustomed to it it'll move a lot faster. This might not be the best way...but I found this to be a better way to use cad's precision along with max. Hope this helps in some way.

[mpd]

Thank you for the response Mike.

 

I've tried it before and Anti-clockwise works fine for AutoCAD.

 

Could you tell me more about your steps?

 

Do you model everything 3d in your CAD or just draw a 2d spline/polyline to rise in MAX.

 

Or modeling the walls and stuff 3d in CAD, and using the max for details.

 

I don't understand why discreet doesn't put some kind of CAD style drawing system in Viz, when so many people have the same issues.

[Mike Hagelsieb]

Glad I can help..

Well, I've played around with many different methods of modeling. As for the steps I am using right now are fairly simple. I try to model everything (walls, windows, roofs) in cad. You can't really beat the precision that cad offers. I've gotten used to inputing lines into cad with consideration to which way normals are facing.

 

My office uses viz and in the past we've used dwg linking within viz. That seemed to work pretty good. Once in max/vix mainly the only thing I worry about are textures, camera matching, and some organic modeling (couches, plants etc.) Although in the past few weeks I've found a new toy. Sketcup 2.1 Take a look at it. It's a new way of modeling and so far I've really come to enjoy it. Hope this helps!

[siliconbauhaus]

I do pretty much the same as Mike.Been doing acad for more years than I care to mention and I find doing most models in max to be a hassle.

 

As for faces being in the wrong direction, I always make sure that my materials are 2 sided.....that way it doesnt matter in most situations.

[Sawyer]

SB has got the main tip. 2 sided mats. I have really tried to learn max. I paid for it and at first it was kicking my hinny I felt it was a matter of pride. I use Cad for elevations and plans. I bring the lines into max and create them on a shell that I either created or extruded from the plan. I take the elevation lines and extrude them or lathe them in place. Basically I use the 2d elevation just as a cookie cutter for the details. I use "align" as I need. This works great for me. The real trick is how people create negative space (window openings door ect..)

[Erik Lund]

I agree, The best way to work with dwg files is to first of all pay attention to the import dialog in max,... uncheck "cap closed entities" first of all.

And if there is any 3D objects in your imported file make sure u go through an delete the "extrude" modifer from all 3d objects. U should NEVER import 3d geomitry into max. Doing so only makes a mess of your scene.

When working with a DWG file in max ALWAYS do it from the 2d data. You will have to re-trace each componet of your structure with the max spline tools set then convet to editable mesh. When doing this your basicly using the floor plans and elevations as snap points.

 

This may sound like a pain in the ass,.. but your model will be much cleaner, contain a lower poly count and will save u a world of head aches when it comes time to texture and render your scene.

 

Also a qwick tip: there is a "Reverse spline" comand in your editable spline tool set. So no need to draw your lines in Autocad all one direction. Although this tip is Irrelevant if u fallow my first advice.

 

[ April 15, 2003, 04:18 PM: Message edited by: Erik Lund ]