AutoCAD Plant 3D

[#1]

Did you use 'Export to AutoCAD' from Plant 3D? That will send it out as regular AutoCAD 3D solids which 3DS Max should be able to import with no problems.

If you looking for more specific information about using Plant 3D models in 3DS Max, this forum has a lot of useful information:

http://www.davetyner.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?111-Autodesk-3DS-Max

Thank you,

[#2]

Thanks Jason, I knew about the Export to AutoCAD option, I was just in hopes that the 2013 would have overcome that particular workaround.  It would be much cleaner of a workflow to not have to do that.

[#3]

BTW Jason, are you sure about that "ExportToAutoCAD", cuz in Plant3d 2013, that command is no longer there, and if I type it in, nothing happens (as well the AECtoACAD").  I tried the vanilla AutoCAD too, and it says the commands are not there too.  I admit, I haven't needed to use those commands in the last couple releases and so don't know when exactly they went away.

[#4]

thats wierd

i tried that here and the command works

how about right clicking on drawing in the project manager and click export to autocad

[#5]

OMG, thank you Darren, there the command was as you suggested.  And the really odd thing, once I picked it and exported out the Plant3D dwg, I tried typing the command again and it worked. I closed Plant3d, reopened, typed the command, and it worked.  I then went to our training room, on two PCs I launched Plant3D, typed in EXPORTTOAUTOCAD, and they didn't work.  Select the command from the PM, it worked, and then typing the command worked.  Jeepers, am I gonna hafta quit typing?!?

[#6]

like i said that is weird

something else is going on

i don't think i have ever seen that not work by typing it in the command line

[#7]

I agree Darren, now I am thinking something is weird here.  Playing around, I can duplicate the problem when the command line is "on screen at the cursor" versus turning that off and entering at the, let's say, real command line.  I am thinking maybe graphics driver now.  Very weird indeed.

[#8]

Ok Jason, I exported my Plant 3D work to plain Autocad.  I can open the exported file in plain Autocad and everything is there, pipes, stairs, handrail, & equipment.  Tried to open this file in Showcase and I get the error message "One or more files could not be imported, See the Import Status Window for more information".  In the IS window the file is listed under source files, source units are "no nnits"  conversion settings are 003 small details, Conversion Status is "converted", Load Status is "failed" 

What can I try now?

Is there a way to get a Navisworks file into Showcase?