AutoCAD to Max link material problems

[sam.wrightHFB7C]

Hi All,

I have used files linked from AutoCAD to 3DS Max for many years now but have one nagging issue that I haven't been able to resolve. I use 3D dynamic blocks in AutoCAD which I assign materials to in AutoCAD. When I link the file, the best option for 'Derive AutoCAD primitives by:' for me is 'Entity, Blocks as Node Hierarchy' however this causes each block of the same name to act as an instance of the first unless I have changed the physical shape of the item with one of its dynamic attributes. Therefore, if I have applied a different material to a second instance of the same block in AutoCAD, this is lost and the second instance simply takes the material of the first. This causes me problems in that I have to perform some of my material assignment work in Max where it would be preferable to do it all in AutoCAD before linking the file.

In theory, using the 'Entity' option with 'Use scene material definitions' checked should be the best option for me as far as I can tell, however the scene material definitions do not work with these settings, and the Max materials are not applied despite having the same name as the applied materials in AutoCAD. 

I have attached an AutoCAD file with some of my blocks and materials as well as a Max file with the same named materials. 

Any help on this would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[florence023gayhart]

Hello,

It seems you're facing an issue with maintaining material assignments when linking AutoCAD files with dynamic blocks into 3DS Max. The problem arises when using the 'Entity, Blocks as Node Hierarchy' option, causing instances of blocks with the same name to share materials. While using the 'Entity' option with 'Use scene material definitions' checked should theoretically solve this, it appears that the scene material definitions are not being applied properly in 3DS Max. This prevents the Max materials from being assigned despite having the same names as the applied materials in AutoCAD. Unfortunately, this limitation forces you to perform material assignment work in 3DS Max instead of AutoCAD, which is less than ideal.

Best Regard,
florence023
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