STEP import using new ATF importer

[gordon.evans]

Hi,

I'm using 2016 (recently upgraded) and I was happy to see ability to import STEP files using the new ATF Step Importer.  It seems to work well and the geometry (mesh) that I was testing with looks great!

I discovered something though.  If I have two objects and I try to Attach one to the other then one of the objects looses it's nice smoothing!  Why?  And to top it off, how is the smoothing even working with these imported objects.  If I look at the smoothing groups there are none assigned.

What gives?  Is it using some other hidden method of smoothing?  Please help!!

Any

[dominique.bouthillette]

Hi @gordon.evans,

Could you share your STEP files so I can take a look?

There are a few ways to go about smoothing objects in Max (assigning smoothing groups, modifiers, import settings...). I'm curious to test with the files though. If I can reproduce this issue I can then try and see what the best avenue would be to help with the STEP file's smoothing.

Thanks a bunch!

[dominique.bouthillette · Accepted solution]

As a follow-up for the thread, the best way to retain the smoothing for unique objects, with minimal geometry, is to to do the following:

1. Use the ATF importer with a Mesh Resolution setting of -10.
2. Convert the objects (Mesh or Body Objects) to Editable Polys. This can be done by simply right clicking to open the Quad Menu and going to Convert To: > Convert to Editable Poly.
3. Go to Group > Explode and open the selection to attach the objects. You will find the smoothing is retained.
4. If you would like to continue working with Editable Mesh you may convert back.

Hope this helps with the imports. 🙂

[gordon.evans]

Thanks Dominique for all your help!

I've confirmed that importing (STEP via ATF) and attaching together Editable Mesh objects results in some objects getting messed up.  However as you discovered if you convert the objects to Editable Poly and attach then everything is fine. 

Thanks again,

Gord

[dominique.bouthillette]

You're very Welcome @gordon.evans!

Glad that it's working for you now. Another plus: you won't have to smooth thousands of small objects individually anymore. 🙂

Again, thanks for all your updates and Happy Importing!