Importing Autocad Models to 3D Max

This topic was always asked eversince, so i bring it now here, my workflow on importing Autocad Models to 3d Max.

I would like to share my workflow the proper way of linking Autocad Models to 3d Max. The procedures, the pros and cons and some important issues concerning the method.


Procedure 1

1. In Autocad I must first establish the units in meters as well as in 3d max. Although in Autocad you can model in any unit and rescaled it during the file linking process. But the issue there is the memory and the regeneration of your models in modeling procedures. It is okay if you are modeling a simple objects, but when it comes to a more complicated models, it meant a lot.

Now let me show this image to explain something about smoothing curves surfaces. If you are a cad modeler, and your intention is to render it in Autocad, this two command will be familiar to you. VIEWRES and FACETRES.

First is the VIEWRES Command


And the second is the FACETRES COMMAND


This two commands will clearly state how to manipulate all those curve and arched models you have.

You can also access it via Option commands.
Command: Options


Let me now give you some illustration of the work flows.

Here are one Sample Cad Models with Low Facetres and Viewres value
As you can see, all the arch, and sphere are all segmented


Same model with High Facetres and Viewrtes Value


The amount of both Facetres and Viewres when adjusted will significantly smooth the surface of both
the arched and the sphere models.

The question is, Is it necessary to adjust the amount of the Facetres and Viewres value? The answer will be base on your preference in modeling. If your intention is to render it in Autocad itself, then its a must, otherwise you will have all those segmented rendered object. Now if your intention is to bring it to your 3D Max program for final rendering, I advised to make a closer look to some of the illustration and procedures that follows.

Procedure 2 - Units Settings

I will be using the samples with Low Viewres and Facetres value.
AutoCad Units = millimeter

Set my units first in 3d Max to meters

-Open 3D Max and change my unit to meter.
-Go to Customized, then to Units
-Change the Sytem Unit Settings, and Display Units Scale




Procedure 3 - FILE LINK MAMANAGER

-Go to File Menu, then File Link Manager


-Then look for my Autocad Files


With no rescaling, i can get a result of this. All my sphere and arch model will get a smooth surface. Well its fine as I said especially if you are dealing with just simple objects, but when it comes to a more complicated ones, it meant a lots, regeneration of your drawing will takes time and the memory usage will boost up.



Now let us reset our 3d Max.
Or just detached your Autocad Models by hitting Detach Button.

On the File Link Manager Dialog Box go to Files and hit Detach, this will unload the models in the scene.


Redo the File Linking procedures, but for this time, hit rescale on dialog box shown


I will now get like this image

It’s okay if you have those segmented arcs and sphere, we will fixed it sooner. Regeneration of the drawing is quite faster and the memory it will take is much smaller. We will let 3D Max to do the job in smoothing the models

Procedure 4

To continue, go to Files of the File Link Manager Dialog Box. Tick the box on the Reload Option. Then press Reload. On reload option box, go to Basic then on Smooth Angle, adjust the value to 45.0, and on Maximum Surface Deviation for 3d Surface, make it 0.0m. Press ok, and all the arc and sphere model will smoothen. This is useful specially if you are dealing with large models. So you may or may not adjust both the viewres and facetres value to a higher amount that only takes so much time regenerating your models.


This is now the final view after adjusting the Smooth angle and Surface deviation.


Final Composition with some Opacity Mapping for the Trees


Rendered Image Sample


And another Sample



Procedure 5

Sometimes we dont have to model all in Autocad. Lines and splines are just enough. In these example, the handrail i use are just a poly lines


File Link to 3D Max


Adjust the Spline Settings on the Reload Option, and i got this tubular Handrails


Or a rectangular handrails


Hope it helps.

ayus ito sir!!!! baka may nami-miss kc ako sa mga importanteng ginagawa, bago ko gawin ito!!! wait ko sir ung important info nyo! hehehe!

Ako din sir!!! Aabangan ko yan!!! Baka may namimiss din ako!!! Hehehe!!!

same here also... hehehe... unang master ko si cloud20 jan.. hihihihi

cloud20 wrote:Ako din sir!!! Aabangan ko yan!!! Baka may namimiss din ako!!! Hehehe!!!

sir ha, baka mas-expert pa kayo sa akin ah heheheeh

gusto ko to, baka nga may mali din ako sa pag-imfort ng CAD files ko sa MAX...sa Max na kasi ako gumagawa ng model at ACAD files pattern ko lang...pakitama na lang ako kung mali po ako mga bro...

3DZONE wrote:gusto ko to, baka nga may mali din ako sa pag-imfort ng CAD files ko sa MAX...sa Max na kasi ako gumagawa ng model at ACAD files pattern ko lang...pakitama na lang ako kung mali po ako mga bro...

ok yan, ako ganyan din ang workflow, but since marami ang nag-aask ng guidance from cad model to max, kaya eto, posting here.

ayos toh sir....aabangan ko toh...kc ako sa cad ako nag momodel...tpos ung render en ung ibang odject n idadagdag sa max ko n gnagawa....bka may mali rin ako sa cad to max...kya...mka2tulong sakin toh..salamat sir..

render master wrote:

3DZONE wrote:gusto ko to, baka nga may mali din ako sa pag-imfort ng CAD files ko sa MAX...sa Max na kasi ako gumagawa ng model at ACAD files pattern ko lang...pakitama na lang ako kung mali po ako mga bro...

ok yan, ako ganyan din ang workflow, but since marami ang nag-aask ng guidance from cad model to max, kaya eto, posting here.

Just go on sir render master, makikinig kami sa tutorial mo...

tnx sir!laki 2long n2 sir! da best ka sir!

can't wait for this....

Here is the SWF File. Download nyo na lang kung gusto nyo

autocad modelling.swf

Ayos to Sir Render Master...matagal ko na tong tanong sa isip ko eh...hmmmm...nakakatulong to sa lahat ng baguhan na kagaya ko...Salamat Sir....

ayos sir nel..galing nito. ibang diskarte sa pag iimport ng dwg file

hi render master, ok to ah.. I'm new to 3D, tanong ko lang: pwede ba mag-import ng cad na may blocks, or dapat exploded lahat muna pero properly layered? nagtry kasi dati mag-import (with blocks) - nahirapan ako lagyan ng materials sa max kasi pati block names ay interpreted as layers.. for example- 6 lang layers ko sa cad,but since i have maybe 30 blocks.. lahat ung interpreted as geometry "VIZBLOCK".. Gusto ko sana kung ano ung layers ko sa Cad, un din lalabas sa max without exploding any blocks sa cad. Possible po ba un? here's my sample layer after importing to max..



Thanks!!