Not being able to import the .3ds file into ArchiCAD

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I made a particular 3d model in Rhino, and exported it as .3ds (9.5 MB in size)
I tried importing into both ArchiCAD 12 and 14 using the

Import 3d Studio file add-on, but it did not work. The conversion to .gsm seems to went well, but when I put that .gsm file into the floor plan, I am get nothing. Just a dot.
I used to have the same problem all these years, but mostly in cases when initial .3ds model has some curved shapes. But this one is different - it is mostly consisted of straight parts.

The second thing I tried to do is to export the model from Rhino as .skp (Sketchup file) and then import it into ArchiCAD 14.
Did not work - apparently the importing procedure ended by nothing was imported.

The same thing with .kmz (Google Earth) and .dwg


In the end I might try importing the .ifc, although I am currently looking for an export IFC plugin for Rhino.


Until I do that, any advices of why is this problem appearing?
Here is the .3ds file attached:
http://www.gamefront.com/files/23181145/separacija2.rar

Thank you.

[Dwight]

The import does take a while. You get the dot until Archicad can generate the plan view. Usually.

Unless, as in your case, there's a problem with the code in line 2. You should have received a message during a 3D view generation.

So fickle Archicad dislikes your object code.

I was able to bring it thru via Cinema 4D that is more tolerant of irregularities but did not correct the axis. Only have Archi16 installed right now.

[Anonymous]

Hi Dwight,
Thank you for such a quick reply.

It may sound strange, but I did not get any error message when entering into the 3D view.

Could I ask you for a favor? Would you be so kind to attach the .gsm file? The one you succeeded importing into ArchiCAD 16? I guess the .gsm file from ArchiCAD 16 would work on ArchiCAD 14 too, right?

Here is the same .3ds file with corrected (z upwards) axis:
http://www.gamefront.com/files/23181376/separacija2a.rar

Thank you.

[Dwight]

I have opened the file in Cinema and saved as 3DS. I converted it in Archicad to GSM as a test. I attach the saved 3DS file that should import into Archicad, renamed as "youowemebigtime" and have sent it to your email.

[Anonymous]

Thank you. I do owe you !!!

So basically the Cinema4D "clears up" the original .3ds file, and then exports a somewhat more acceptable new .3ds file?

Is there some specific version of Cinema4D that is capable of doing this?
Or I might try some older versions (like r11, r10) as well?

Thank you.

[Dwight]

All versions seem to work. It is my go-to method for difficult 3ds files into Archicad. You can also 'smooth' faces.

[Anonymous]

Thank you once again.

The "smoothing" meshes part is completed automatically after exporting the new .3ds from Cinema4D?
Or it needs to be done manually inside of Cinema4D?

[Dwight]

You'll need to figure that manipulation out within Cinema - can't remember.