3d model imported into AutoCAD from 3ds Max not working with, 'Base> From Model Space' command

[danwright76]

I want to bring 3d models from 3ds Max into AutoCAD to then create dimensioned CAD drawings of different elevations.

I have tried exporting my 3ds Max object as a .3ds file type and then importing into AutoCAD using the 3DSIN command, but when I select, Base > From model space (to create elevations from the model space object), nothing happens as the 3d object brought in from 3ds max is not compatible with AutoCAD.  If I create a 3d object within AutoCAD and do the same thing, everything works fine.  I have tried exporting the 3ds model as DXF, FBX etc, but still no joy.

What process and import/export file types to I need to using to have a 3d model that will function properly in AutoCAD?  Thanks in advance.

Dan

[j.palmeL29YX]

What object type are the importet geometries? Solids, or Surfaces, or Meshes, or ...?

(you wiil get these Information using the list command or the properties palette).

Can you post an example dwg please?

[danwright76]

The properties dialogue says that they are Polyface Mesh. 

I've attached the AutoCAD file.

[nikm42Q9N]

I think view base only works with 3d solids maybe?. anyway view base command always locks up my CPU so a work around is to use the Flatshot command. You will have to turn the model around and do the command for each view but it should produce the same results though it takes a litter longer 

[danwright76]

When I try the FLATSHOT command (active in the top view in MODEL SPACE) it says that there are no solids or surfaces that can be projected.  Is there not a way that I can convert my shapes that I have brought into autoCAD from 3ds max to solids acceptable by AutoCAD.  Then I could use the VIEW BASE or FLATSHOT properly?

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@danwright76 wrote:

The properties dialogue says that they are Polyface Mesh. 

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The principle way for Polyface meshes can be:

- explode the Mesh (explode command) into 3DFaces

- convert the 3DFaces into (planar) Surfaces (convtosurface command)

- convert the surfaces into a solid (sculpt command).

The >>video<< shows how this can be done.

But - the last step will fail if the surfaces don't describe a watertight volume.

With such a simple model as you posted it is pointless to search for defects and eliminate them. It is easier to recreate the three parts with AutoCAD commands. Therefore I didn't show this in the video.
For more complex parts, it is necessary to systematically search for and eliminate the causes of defects. Depending on the current situation different ways will be necessary. But this can become very tedious, an generelly solution can not be given.

[danwright76]

Thanks Jurgen.  Yes, I can see that I will have problems bringing more complex models from 3ds Max into AutoCAD, in fact the open sided object housing the green box was not considered watertight and did not convert to a solid.

I'm looking for an efficient way of working, being able to design and model buildings in 3d and also be able to create dimensioned plans and elevations from those models.  I have a lot of experience with 3ds max as a visualiser, but have very basic knowledge of AutoCAD.  Is it the case that I need to learn and start working from and modelling in AutoCAD so that I can create dimensioned drawings and then export those models to 3ds Max if I want to create visualisations?  Or, is there another alternative?

[nikm42Q9N]

You need cheif archiect or Revit if you want to work in pure 3d. Autocad can do it but it just is behined the times and a little more complicated also a cheap opition would be sketchup 

[danwright76]

What I ideally want to do is just export my 3ds max model and open in a program that will allow me to create dimensioned CAD elevation drawings of the model.  I have already been told that this is not possible in AutoCAD.

As Revit is more sophisticated, will it recognise a model created in 3ds max and allow me to create these dimensioned CAD elevation drawings?

[nikm42Q9N]

 I don't know much about 3ds Max but I feel the normal workflow is to do the construction documents in software such as AutoCAD, Revit or SketchUp and then import into 3ds max for rendering / making pretty pictures for the clients. I'm not sure you will be able to import a 3ds model into any software for detailing I feel it goes the other way around.