imported / linked .dwg model has jagged holes

[mmurzyn]

This is killing me.... trying to import simple part models into 3DS Max 2017 from AutoCAD 2017 and all holes are jagged. Set the Link import settings "Maximum surface deviation for 3D solids" to 0 (See attached) and that still didn't help. Was able to do this before with different models (See: http://www.clarkdietrich.com/products/curtain-wall-bypass-connections/drift-fastclip-slide-clip-d-fc...) but still had to clean them up. This one just seems to be really bad.

Any help would be much appreciated. Searched for other posts but couldn't find a clean solution. Just seems like Autodesk's products are not collaborating. For someone very advanced on using AutoCAD and Revit for modeling, this just seems to be the best way to start your model and finish it out with 3DS for rendering and video. But they just seem to not want to work together for simple product renderings. 

[mmurzyn]

I was able to make the image better by using AutoCAD's Suite Workflows to 3DS Max - Rendering (Chair-sized Model) versus importing the .dwg directly into 3DS Max. Attached shows a cleaner part but the holes are still jagged. Cannot seem to find a solution to clean this up except for using a cylinder in 3ds and cutting out a clean area in the model. Any ideas?

[leeminardi]

Give the Options command in AutoCAD and in the Display tab increase the value of Rendered object smoothness (e.g., to 3) and then do a regen and  save.

Lee

[mmurzyn]

Lee,

I just tried this but got the same results in 3DS. I even tried a new export of the AutoCAD 2017 model to a new project in 3DS using Suit Workflows. Attached is the model view in 3DS. Always looked perfect in AutoCAD. 

[leeminardi · Accepted solution]

What file format are you using for the import to 3ds Max?  A .dwg file from AutoCAD will become an editable mesh in Max.  

Try exporting the file in the IGES format.  File, Export, Other Formats..., igs and then import it into Max.  This will represent the object as NURBS surfaces in Max.  Cylinders will be true cylinders and not faceted approximations.  Be sure to set your units appropriately in Max or the scale of the imported object may be off.

Lee

[mmurzyn · Accepted solution]

Wow Lee, Exporting it out as an IGES file definitely did the trick. Thanks so much for taking the time to help!

I will never use the AutoCAD Suite Workflow Send to 3ds Max command again. (Shown attached) You would think this would work....

Thanks again!

Mike