Importing Autocad Models to 3D Max

First topic message reminder :


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.

i see.. thanks mga bro

mga sir bakit po pag nagiimport po ako sa max eh puro gray po yung kulay ng building ko.newbie lang kasi mga sir,student pa lang.hehe..parang ganto po..

@ jaybin

- on file link manager, before linking the files, go first to presets, click presets you want to use. (there are only two on the list, one is for revit and the other is for autocad) select Last Used Settings, then click on modify. under Modify, go to Adavance -->> Derive Autocad Primitives by: on the list select Color. save your settings and proceed on the linking process

yes,maraming salamat sir.godbless po..

thank you so much render master...this is what i am looking for...i am good in cad and you answers my question specifically...mali pala yung gngwa ko kaya hindi smooth mga curve...salamat po tlga..i tried it already...salamat....salamat...salamat...Godbless po...

Problem solved!Maraming salamat sir ronel.

tanong ko lang sir onel, sinundan ko naman yung lahat sa pag file link bakit yung model ko nagiging parang buntis siya sa 3dmax, flat naman siya sa autocad and chamfer lang yung edge.

try mo dagdagan maximum surface deviation, say .05 or .1...smoothing angle 45 pa rin

render master wrote:try mo dagdagan maximum surface deviation, say .05 or .1...smoothing angle 45 pa rin

ayaw po, check - uncheck ko na lahat ayaw

share mo sir ang cad files kahit iyang element lang na iyan...troubleshoot natin.

thanks a lot for sharing!

sir onel ito po yung file, kahit po kasi sa ibang mga object basta nagchamfer ako laging lumolobo
2shared.com 2shared.com/photo/QzyUCR62/a_online.html

salamat po...... makakatulong sakin to..........

qcksilver wrote:sir onel ito po yung file, kahit po kasi sa ibang mga object basta nagchamfer ako laging lumolobo
2shared.com 2shared.com/photo/QzyUCR62/a_online.html

nacheck ko na ang files... untick mo lang sir iyong auto-smooth adjacent faces

Cool , big help sir, thanks

thanks you for this wonderful tutorial render master.... keep on helping.