convert 2d .dxf file into 3D object

[Anonymous]

Hi All,  I've been stuck on this all day!  I need advise on how to convert a 2d .dxf file (attached) into a 3d object in 3ds Max.  My workflow has been: import into 3ds max > create editable spline > extrude or bevel. When I try and extrude / bevel, Max crashes. Any ideas?  Thanks in advance

[Fadhil_Farook]

I noticed that there's just too many vertices in the splines, and I believe that's what's causing the issue. But I am trying to reduce them while keeping the shape intact. 

[Fadhil_Farook · Accepted solution]

Yeah, the problem seems to be occurring because of the high number of vertices available in the spline. I "cleaned" your spline to about 40% (deleted vertices) , and when I applied the Extrude modifier, it didn't crash (It crashed every time before I cleaned it, like you said) . Although it's very slow (takes about 30 seconds for changes to take effect).

The file I attached here is yours after you cleaned it. Just don't mind the naming convention 😉

[Anonymous]

Thanks heaps Fadhil!!  That fixed it.  I have 100+ diagrams to get through so got this to help out:  http://www.splinedynamics.com/spline-cleaner/

Seems to work well.  Thanks again 🙂

[Anonymous]

Hey Fadhil, Thought I'd ask you about this next problem too!  For some reason Max isn't reading one of the splines in the diagram (attached: 308_not_reading)  And when I extrude it comes out like attached 308_wrong.  Whereas its meant to be like attached:Original 308.  Any ideas?  I really appreciate any advice.  

[Anonymous]

attached :308_wrong

[Fadhil_Farook · Accepted solution]

Whew... It's taken nearly a day to find what was the problem with it.... The problematic Line has overlapping vertices. (See attachment)

It works fine now.

Sorry it took this long. Was working on a class assignment. 

[Anonymous]

Fadhil, You're a Legend.  Thank you.  I appreciate it so much.  No need to apologize at all bro.  Good luck with your assignment!!  Ace it . . no doubt 

[Anonymous]

Hey Fadhil,  I don't want to hassle you but any chance you could check out this .dxf file?  Same problem, Max won't extrude and crashes.  Only seems to work when I reduce vertices to a level that distorts the geometry.  I totally understand if you're too busy or can't be bothered!   All the best, Simon

[Anonymous]

Hey Fudhil,  I don't want to hassle you but any chance you could check out this .dxf file?  Same problem, Max won't extrude and crashes.  Only seems to work when I reduce vertices to a level that distorts the geometry.  I totally understand if you're too busy or can't be bothered!   All the best, Simon

[Fadhil_Farook]

Are all 3 files the same, or are they different, because they all have the same number?

[Fadhil_Farook]

Let me start by saying Thank you first. Because, the last few problems that you've posted are quite unique, and that has made me explore some new mods within max that I haven't tried before. Now I know them a little better.

If you want to, you can use the Normalize Spline modifier within 3DS Max to optimize the splines. But it will smooth out the sharp corners slightly. It's only obvious when you look at it closely, but the optimization works quite well (See Attachment-1). Then after, the extrude modifier works almost instantly when applied.

Modifier = Normalize Spline

Parameters : Segment Length = 2.54 cm (this is the minimum)

                    Accuracy = 6 (change as you wish)

     **After applying Normalize Spline, apply an Edit Spline modifier on top. Then press 1 and check the number of vertices on the splines. (see attachment-2)

[Anonymous]

Thanks for helping again!  Unfortunately it keeps crashing. . 

[Fadhil_Farook]

I've uploaded the file here. This has extrusion and all.

[Anonymous]

Here's some details. . I got strange results when I used the values you suggest.  See 'Normalize_spl' with values: seg length 2.54, accuracy 6.  You can see the graphics blob out.  

So I used values: seg length 5cm, accuracy 20 which seems ok.  

But then I get heaps more vertices that you.  See edit_spline  16824 Vertices 

I tried a few times to extrude, and always crashes. . 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Fadhil. . The circles have straight edges (see attached) is that just coz of low vertices count? 

[Fadhil_Farook · Accepted solution]

That's right, it's due to optimization- which is reduced vertices. I tried resetting the tangents, but it doesn't seem to work. I'll try to find some other way to smooth it out without increasing the vertex count. 

[Anonymous]

Cool thanks Fadhil.  I have increasingly complex graphics I need to extrude so will be great if I can find a method that works.  This is for a VR project I'm working on in UE4.  I'm very happy to credit you for all your help.     

[Anonymous]

I got it!  I think I just needed to give Max more time to work on it.  I was force quitting when I though Max had crashed.  I reduced Vertices and then used Normalize spl.  Talk soon no doubt!!  Thanks for all your help.  

[Anonymous]

Hey Fadhil,  Do you have any advise for a workflow to UV map this. I can import into UE4 as is, but would prefer to have proper UV mapping.  I thought you may have some good tips.  Thanks bro.