This is precisely a reason for me to NOT use Maxonform: loosing the C4D hierarchy...
Stefan,
I've learned that this is not the case. As LiHigh pointed out and as I've subsequently learned, the key is saving your MaxonFrom model as a c4d model work in progress.
The key to this is an understanding that what you're doing is connecting one mdoeling environment to the other as opposed to making a connection between a MaxonForm model and an ArchiCAD GSM object.
When you make a connection between the ArchiCAD model and the MaxonForm modeling space yo are presented with an empty modeling window - MaxonForm doesn't remember anything about the GSM object created in previous sessions.
There are several options available when creating or editing a MaxonForm object.
1) start with nothing from ArchiCAD and make the connection to MaxonForm in either the plan window Or the 3D window. Everything you do in MaxonForm will be sent to the common or Universal Origin.
2a & b) start with something highlighted in ArchiCAD in the 3D window. This can be something highlighted in the plan window so that its the only thing visible. If you're doing this you should probably put this at the Universal Origin as it is transferred coordinate-for-coordinate into the MaxonForm modeling space.
2b) open the ArchiCAD 3D window and make the selection there. When the connection is made to Maxonform, the whole model can be made visible as a background object or can be turned off. Whatever you're editing stays at its ArchiCAD coordinates.
With an empty MaxonForm modelspace in front of you the trick then is to load one or more MaxonForm models using the model navigation tree on the right hand side of the interface (not the file menu across the top!). From there, you work on your piece, send it back to ArchiCAD and either create a new GSM object or overwrite an existing one.
This is completely foreign to my way of working, but I have acquired a grudging respect for what MaxonForm can do. The next step on my learning path is to understand the various modes in which an object can be worked on: object, object axis, points, polygons, edges; and determining which of the tools is the most effective for the task and how the modeling objects - deformers, etc. act upon what you've got.
I was able to create a 0-thickness solution to my design problem, but have not been able to determine the best means and methods for turining this into a fabricatable "mechanical" model.
For anyone who is interested, attached is a flattened image of what I'm trying to do.
This is a a flat piece of 3mm aluminum from which a number of bird shapes will be cut out. This panel is then bent to a radius and welded to another 3mm backing panel and powder coat painted.
Cast bronze birds are then set into selected holes in the bent aluminum panel. The bronze birds are about 6mm thick and have a rabbet or a lip on their outward surface. Raised letters are cast onto the top surface as well.
I can make an array of birds with meshes, bend them to a given radius. I have not been able to successfuly punch holes into the aluminum panel and any panel I've tried to bend either doesn't bend or deforms into something that looks like a cookie sheet (or a bird's nest - maybe!) with holes at the bottom.
If anyone has suggestions as to the best way of pulling this off I'd be delighted to hear from you.
When I set out on this first project I thought it might be simple, be something that a mechanical design modeler is meant to do that ArchiCAD really isn't meant to do. I'm still convinced of that.....
Think Like a Spec Writer
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