triangulation issue .3ds import into 3ds max

[Anonymous]

Hi folks,
Havnt had this problem before. Am exporting a 3d model out of archicad into 3ds max (mostly a mesh terrain and some slabs) As well as a 2d .dwg file . Can import into 3dmax ok. However I then need to scale it up about 8000 times to be at the correct scale that the .dwg is at when I bring it into max. Problem occurs after I have scaled it. The model reders ok but in the in the navigation viewport it appears fractured making working with it difficult even though it renders out ok.
Any thought.
Many thanks.
Luke.

[Anonymous]

Search the forum! There are many posts on this theme.

[Anonymous]

Ive searched the forums thats why im now here.
I think the problem is maybe more to do with the units conversion from AC to max. Having to scale the .3ds file up so much is causing the problem I think but not sure what the solution is here.
lukle.

[Eduardo Rolon]

I think the factor is 39.37 since AC exports in meters. HTH

[Anonymous]

I will explain once again:

For metric users:
Save as 3DS, by Material, if you are working in cm, scale factor is 1:1000.
Save as DWG, scale factor is 1:10.
They come the right size in Max.

For non-metric users:
Watch the Pulp Fiction Film, the conversation between John Travolta and Samuel Jackson about Amsterdam! It is explained there!

[Bricklyne Clarence]

Just a shot in the dark here.

......I read in another forum regarding how Max tends to have triangulation and mesh issues with imported models which are placed very far from the project origin (0,0,0,). Assuming you haven't already, make sure your model is as close to the project origin before you export it, otherwise you'll have all sorts of issues in Max especially in the viewports and during rendertime (with artifacts, blotches and the like)

[Anonymous]

This might help. http://www.archicad.com.hr/miniweb/savjeti1.asp?ItemID=169&cid=44&itemID2=114

...or click the download link below, in this post

Just DL it, scan it with your virus scanner, extract to a folder, copy the "setup.mzp" or DRAG it into an open viewport window in 3DSM and viola!

as I recall it's a material editor or replacer. I was just going to use it myself to check...

😉

[Anonymous]

This tool makes AC 3ds models import into Max easier, as it removes the silly AC fog, the strange AC semi-transparency and some other minor things.

BUT it will not compensate for the lousy export from AC!

I have never had any problems with 3ds export from AC since v5.0, so it isnot AC to blame! 😉

[Anonymous]

I just saw something yesterday about Maxon's Cinema 4D (an excellent renderer) working with native ArchiCAD files, as I recall. They wrote the add so convincingly that I thought for a moment it was by Graphisoft. I don't know where I saw it but it SOUNDED like the new C4D will work directly with AC files, as if it's a part of AC now.

Just a FYI.
I'll look for the link when I get a chance here...
http://www.maxon.net/pages/solutions/archicad/archicad_e.html
&
http://maxon.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=27465

That above tool two posts above, for 3DS (it's in the ML menu, by the way, not under files\import-export!) gives some nice options once you begin the process- (watch it remove that AC "sun" spotlight... don't worry, it WILL! lol!!) ...after it's imported the basics it opens up a material replacer and you can just go through or even load a saved profile for regular imports into 3DS from your AC work. Pretty handy!



-p.s. -OH, I bring it up because I use 3DSM for rendering- or I did. Now I will probably be using it for building custom objects, since it's easier and I'm used to it over AC. But C4D if working with AC, hmmm... NICE renderer!