Revit to MAX using Vray

[alfienoakes]

Hey...

 

We are looking at cross grading from AA 2009, to Revit.

 

My workflow is generally AA 2009 for all elements, then into MAX via the File Link Manager. The beauty of this, is that I can then continue to work on the AA 2009 drawing file, and then update the MAX model by re-loading into File Link Manager.

 

Now, as I understand things, Revit doesnt work like that. I will probably want to still use Vray, as thats my renderer of choice, but revit to max is via FBX, and its a straigth import, no linking. So, I will be adding cameras etc in MAX maybe materials as well, but then having to re-load my Revit file if any changes are made.. Does this destroy any work I have already done in MAX..?

 

So, how do people generally control this.. or am I generating a problem that doesnt exist..?

 

Any thoughts from current users would be great.

 

Cheers

[aaronrumple]

Hey...

 

We are looking at cross grading from AA 2009, to Revit.

 

My workflow is generally AA 2009 for all elements, then into MAX via the File Link Manager. The beauty of this, is that I can then continue to work on the AA 2009 drawing file, and then update the MAX model by re-loading into File Link Manager.

 

Now, as I understand things, Revit doesnt work like that. I will probably want to still use Vray, as thats my renderer of choice, but revit to max is via FBX, and its a straigth import, no linking. So, I will be adding cameras etc in MAX maybe materials as well, but then having to re-load my Revit file if any changes are made.. Does this destroy any work I have already done in MAX..?

 

So, how do people generally control this.. or am I generating a problem that doesnt exist..?

 

Any thoughts from current users would be great.

 

Cheers

 

I use a hybrid of dwg and fbx. More dwg than fbx. I tend to rely on material naming and layering between the two files to quickly get materials where they need to be. After the initial design is done, I'll use Revit tools to replace only selected objects in the Max file. I typically don't bother with file linking. I find it just slows me down since we have so many different design options. I will use xref'ed scenes quit a bit. For instance, we'll have furniture or slot machines that don't move or change much. These will be in a separate file.

 

So to update a max file, I just isolate the objects I need (sun glasses) Apply that to the view. Export those few objects. Delete the old objects in Max and replace. If I have some sections I keep changing, I may create a separate file for this smaller area. You could use the file linking with dwg. I just don't find it useful in my process.

 

If you use FBX, it is more of an issue of coordinating material names between the two programs to make sure you can just put the vray material in the scene. I model very few things in 3DS.

[alfienoakes]

Thanks Aaron

 

It looks like a case of "see what works best" for each user..

 

I just need to make sure my file is easily updateable, without the hassle of re-applying mat's etc..

 

Cheers

[michaelidesm]

Hi Andy. Remember me (H&P in Chichester)??

 

One question since you are using similar method to what i do: From what you say you build the 3D model in AA 2009 and then use the file link manager to import it into max? I also work that way and then use vray as the renderer. But although in low res rendering

[RevitGary]

I dont use Vray I use mental ray. But I also apply all new materials in max.

 

I build the revit model export it as a fbx. I open new a max scene and insert the fbx file there. I get rid of triangulation and save the file as a max file. "link" then I go to my working max file and xref objects ( my "link" file ) into my scene there I will light , apply materials and add vegetation.

 

As the revit model changes just export a new fbx. open the link file delete the old geometry import the new fbx. Close the file then open the working scene and make sure the xrefed objects are updated.

 

This sounds like a lot of hassle but it is quick and easy and works well. this workflow is in the the Revit documentation.

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

I have to use both DWG and FBX depending on what it is I am trying to do. Neither are perfect.

 

However, ....Autodesk is working on addressing this issue.

http://forums.cgarchitect.com/39913-new-cad-import-options.html