Importing custom solids from autocad/C3D WITHOUT FBX export in 2021

[mvanitallie]

Prevviously, exporting a custom solid (existing sign with custom material) was easy through and FBX export.  Now this no longer existis in 2021.

How can I get this solid into IW with the material mapping correct?

Attached images are from autocad and the resulting model in IW by importing a DWG (only viable import with materials that I know of)

[Karsten.Saenger]

Hi @mvanitallie ,

does it work to open the DWG in navisworks and export a FBX from there?

Regards,

Karsten.

[mvanitallie]

@Karsten.Saenger 

We tried Navisworks and an old copy of AutoCad2018 without any luck. 

File attached

[Karsten.Saenger · Accepted solution]

Hi @mvanitallie ,

thanks for the DWG. Unfortunately, I don't have the material available on my system, so the sign comes in without image.
If you have AutoCAD 2018 available, doesn't the FBX Export work from there? The export functionality should still be availble in version 2018.

Regards,

Karsten.

[mvanitallie]

@Karsten.Saenger ,

We did try the 2018 export to FBX  and had the same result, no bound material comes back into IW.

I have attached the material.

Thank you,

[Karsten.Saenger]

Hi @mvanitallie ,

I believe the issue is based on the fact, that custom materials are not supported in InfraWorks.
There are some knowledge base articles that cover that topic, for example:

• https://knowledge.autodesk.com/article/FBX-file-from-3ds-Max-is-missing-textures-in-InfraWorks
• https://knowledge.autodesk.com/article/Import-3D-model-for-signs-but-the-materials-does-not-appear

Can you ty this workaround?

1. Export an FBX from AutoCAD 2018 or earlier. (This export functionality was removed in version 2019.)
2. Open the AutoCAD file in Navisworks and export an FBX. See To Export an FBX File from Navisworks Products.
   If presented with the option during the export, choose to embed textures.

Regards,

Karsten.

[andrewofabley]

@Karsten.Saenger @mvanitallie 

Formit can work as a crude replacement in a pinch, but it would be nice if this functionality was restored to AutoCAD...

Otherwise 3ds MAX is a possibility.... but it really feels like overkill.

[mvanitallie]

Thanks again @Karsten.Saenger 

In working through your process, I used a different 2018 machine to create the FBX and this output worked, binding in the material.  I do not know why the same export command did not work on the first computer we tried it on.

[mvanitallie]

Thanks @andrewofabley 

I didn't actually know Formit existed. I ended up getting this to work with C3D2018 on a different computer in the office.