exporting solids into max

[cristoforo]

Even with the FACETRES set to 10 in AUTOCAD, sometimes when exporting solids to MAX, the curves do not come out very well. So, at that point I try importing the solids as .dwg or .dxf. Though, I get errors saying that it is not the right file type, or the file does not contain data, etc. Anyone have problems with this....or know of another way to import solids into MAX with no problems and good quality? Thanks.

[nvanherpt]

VIEWRES works in conjunction with FACETRES, have you tried uping that as well?

[timmatron]

I think the best way to import .dwg files is with File Link Manager. In the reload settings, there is an option called "surface deviation for 3d solids". Using lower numbers will keep those curves nice & smooth. Only go as low as you need to though because the smoother you make your solids, the more faces it has to add.

You can also turn off or on "autosmooth", whichever you prefer.

Then if you want, you can bind the linked dwg file which will then turn all objects into regular meshes.

[jacksc02]

yeah good advice there timmatron. The file link manager is the best way of getting acad solids into max

[cristoforo]

I tried this file manager link, but I get the same message that I was getting before....."Unable to attach file; the file may be missing, corrupted, or may not contain valid data." I'm using max 7 and autocad 2004. I never used to have these problems. Not sure what is going on?

[cristoforo]

It seems to work when I attach a file with only 2D work. When I try to attach a 3D file, I either get the error or Max crashes.

[timmatron]

That is weird. Do you have the latest service packs or updates installed on Max?

[cristoforo]

Probably need to download the latest updates.....haven't done that!

[cristoforo]

Well, I installed service pack 1, but when I try to pick the layers in the FILE MANAGER LINK I get a RUN TIME ERROR and max crashes.

[timmatron]

If you just link the file with the default settings and don't try to pick the layers, do you still get the error?

I don't think I've ever run into any error before when using file link. Sorry to hear you are having trouble with it.

[cristoforo]

Strange....sometimes it is working and other times it crashes......

[jacksc02]

cristofor- are you using xp64?

[cristoforo]

Yes....don't tell me there is some bug?!?!

[jacksc02]

what versions of max and autocad are you using?

[cristoforo]

Autocad 2004 and Max 7