Importing models from CAD Architecture

[Piotr B.]

I am new to 3Ds Max. All my architectural rendering work untill now was done in AutoCAD Architecture (2006 and 2009). Over the years I have created a lot of models that I would like to use in 3Ds Max without spending time to recreate them. I have no problem with importing models to Max. I am working in log home company and all my models are log homes (all elements are round!). When I import modles, all elements (log walls, railings, posts etc.) are very rough. Smoothing filters are not helpful at all. Is there any way to make all round elements very smooth without rough edges? I appreciate any help.

[WAcky]

Hi Piotr and welcome to the forums.

 

This smoothing/faceting issue with solids and curves is a problem that is well known. If it isn't your curves that are being messed up then it's probably your smoothing groups. There are a couple of ways to tackle this. The first one is to select the object in question and add a "smooth" modifier and select autosmooth. By adjusting the angle parameter you might be able to get the results you want. There is an extended function in this modifier that lets you assign your own smoothing groups manually. This manual fucntion is also available in the edit(able) poly and edit(able) mesh modifiers too.

 

You might consider looking smoothing groups up in the max help.

[erickdt]

When you import your CAD model set the setting for "surface deviation for 3d solids" to .005 - .001. That should solve your problem :-)

 

E

[francosd]

try importing in legacy autocad model and only the round objects

 

then the rest off the model

[raq007]

When you import your CAD model set the setting for "surface deviation for 3d solids" to .005 - .001. That should solve your problem :-)

 

E

 

Thanks man!! Solved my prob too....

[Piotr B.]

Thanks, I did this and it helped. In addition I have changed AEC object settings in AutaCAD Architecture to gest very smooth surfaces and it looks that my problem is resolved.

[acjwalker]

You can always just put a smooth on it as well, thats what i tend to do

[Piotr B.]

Yes, I know. But I am using a lot AEC elements (walls, structural members) with added sweeps to it. And unfortunatelly smooth modifier is not working for something that was created as AEC element. But changing facetdev in CAD takes care of most of the issue.