CAD possibilities?

[Ryno917 102]

I have several ideas for things I'd like to see BATted, but I have zero knowledge of GMax or 3DS. Is there any possible avenues to go from a CAD program through some other channels to get something done?

I'm very well versed in Solidworks, and much of what I want to do I could construct in a matter of days with that program. I know there's no real easy SW-3DS channels, but maybe something else? I don't have enough free time to dedicate to learning a new 3D modelling suite, unfortunately.

Does anyone have any insight?

[GMT 389]

I'm not familiar with solidworks, but you can try what the solidworks forum suggests, there seems to be viable ways to convert between SW and 3DSmax.

Not easy, but it doesn't read too complicated either from my outsider's point of view

[Ryno917 102]

We've had some issues in the past (some of our models were imported to 3DS for some packaging renders done by an outside contractor) and it was a real pain. STL files are far too large and cumbersome (you could wind up with a flat surface being made of 100s of polygons, while a round surface remains quite tesselated). IGES files didn't seem to import properly; that being said, the IGS files were imported from non-standard IGS format in the first place, so that could have been the source of issue.

If any BATters are up for working together, I wouldn't mind trying a few things and seeing if a proper model can be brought into 3DS to be useable for BATting with. Anyone up for it?

[blunder 1,080]

My old student version of solidworks from college is long since expired, so i can't directly answer your question, but i believe it's possible to get the geometry from solidworks to 3ds in good form if you use autocad as an intermediary. That said, while the geometry should import fine, it would probably import as a single object. When you apply textures in 3ds it's like assigning a material in solidworks: each part/component gets it's own. So you'd have to break down that single object imported from outside, and i'm not good enough with 3ds to even know if that's possible.

Coming from solidworks myself, learning the basics of 3ds wasn't very hard or time consuming. I'd recommend giving it a shot. It's very similar to solidworks at the start: lay out your basic geometry, then instead of constraining it start applying modifiers.

  Edited September 27, 2012 by blunder  

[Ryno917 102]

I've read that AutoCAD 3D DXF is one avenue, which I'd like to pursue. Would you be willing to import a few files for me and test it out?

As for different parts; if every different material was split into its own part in SW, then exported separately, would they import into the proper coordinate system properly? Consistent scale and position relative to 0,0,0 are important for this to work, I suppose.

I'm sure I could learn 3DS, but my spare time is quite limited. If I could just model in SW and then do UV work in 3DS it would probably help me get through the modelling stage much quicker. (Plus I have some other personal projects I'd like to do that involve this kind of work flow). It would also mean that all I would have to learn, aside from UV mapping in 3DS, is the SC4 specific stuff for BATting.

[GMT 389]

but i believe it's possible to get the geometry from solidworks to 3ds in good form if you use autocad as an intermediary.

yep that's one of the ways described in the forum I linked above.

according to it, you can export directly from Solidworks to Autocad via a certain file type both have in common and then pretty much directly from Autocad to 3DS.

but judging from a couple of Solidworks tutorials on youtube, it isn't really that much of a difference to a real 3d modeling tool like 3DS.

tbh, I think there'll be only little difference between learning to use 3DS - especially since you're already familiar with SW - or fiddling around with converting model files back and forth between SW and 3DS and the related hurdles to take...

[Ryno917 102]

but judging from a couple of Solidworks tutorials on youtube, it isn't really that much of a difference to a real 3d modeling tool like 3DS.

SW is a 'real' modelling tool; it is professional 3D CAD Software.

If the AutoCAD method works, that would cut out the modeling aspect of the learning curve entirely. Would save months, at least.

[blunder 1,080]

I would be willing to try importing a model from autocad into 3ds to test it, but i don't have an autocad liscence so you'd have to do that stage. Taking a peek at the list of file types under 'import' in 3ds, it takes autocad filetypes: .dwg .dxf .dae .fbx . and inventor filetypes .ipt and .iam.

[Ryno917 102]

I can knock up a quick 3D model in SW and spit out some 3D DXF files for you this afternoon. If they import OK I'll probably get started on a couple buildings I have ideas for over the coming weeks.

[EDIT] I'll also try inventor files

  Edited September 28, 2012 by MAGGOT  

[Ryno917 102]

Bah, sorry for the delay but work got nuts on Friday and I was occupied all weekend with a friend's wedding.

After a quick look, it doesn't look like Solidworks natively exports Inventor files (or maybe just the 64-Bit version doesn't?). In any case, after poking around on the 3DS forums, it seems that the .SAT (ACIS) format is the preferred option for Solidworks-3DS for those guys (except those who buy conversion software) as it retains NURBS information, and offers a much smaller filesize than the terrible STL format does.

Would anyone be willing to give this little file an import and see how it handles?

It should be 190mm tall, and the 0,0,0 point should be in the bottom vertex where the two blocks are touching.

If it imports with the three shapes as separate parts (or whatever the 3DS equivalent is) then, awesome! I'd like to see how bad/if there is tesselation on the twisted part as well.

Thanks for the help, guys. If this works then it will save me many hours of learning how to model in 3DS.

Part1.zip

  Edited October 1, 2012 by MAGGOT  

[gutterclub 2,743]

I do recall Simfox mentioned that essentially BAT4MAX could be created for any 3D program, its the creation of the model in gmax and the insertion of the fsh files that is key. If someone had the know how for CAD coupled with a sound working knowledge of BAT4MAX I think its possible

[blunder 1,080]

@gutterclub: That's an interesting idea. Unfortunately i sure don't have the know how to pull that off, and i don't think any of us really have the time.

@ryno: my 3ds (2010) doesn't recognize that file type. do i need a plugin? On import it gives me 2 errors: first "no appropriate import module found", then "improper file format"

[Ryno917 102]

Hmm.. From what I'm reading 2010 and up should be able to read .SAT files. Are you running 32Bit or 64Bit? I've read that some importers were never coded for the 64Bit versions of 3DS, unfortunately.

[blunder 1,080]

After poking around, i think 2010 needs the 3ds connection extensions package from autodesk, which their website says i can't get because i have the free education edition and not a paid subscription. Guess you'll have to try one of the other above listed filetypes unless you can find someone with else with the necessary package to handle a .sat.

[Ryno917 102]

Hmm.. I can't seem to find any options for 3D DXF or Inventor formats in SW, unfortunately. I guess we could try STP or IGS, though I know results there can be shaky at times...

[EDIT] Attached. Lets see how this works!

test2.zip

  Edited October 2, 2012 by Ryno917