Trouble importing a modified AutoCAD 3d solid (.dwg) into Revit

[Anonymous]

I downloaded a .dwg to be used as a BIM object from a website of nationally know brand of appliances.

I then modified the AutoCAD 3d solid (.dwg) in 3ds Max by applying materials and now I am having a problem importing the .dwg and or the .dxf into Revit.

I have cycled through using all 5 options in the Positioning Dialogue Box when I go to importing the CAD file:

• Auto - Center to Center
• Auto - Origin to Origin
• Manual - Origin
• Manual - Base Point
• Manual - Center

NOTE: I have already imported the pre-modified version of the same .dwg file into Revit so, I know the issue is because of something that occurred due to the modification on the original .dwg

I am currently looking to verify that the .dwg and or the .dxf did not import on a different level or plan in my project.

Thank you,

Mike

[Anonymous]

Import into a family then load into Revit....

[Sahay_R]

I'm with @Anonymous on this. Families give much better control over the location and display of inserted geometry.

Two thoughts - 

1) if the content was brought in from a reputed appliance manufacturer for use in Revit, then why get it in AutoCAD? Why not a Revit family? Getting a Revit family to start with will result in fewer headaches besides giving more options to control the geometry

2) applying material in 3DS Max is another unneeded step - getting them to show up in Revit is another can of worms. 3DS Max is one player which should not be added to this workflow

The capability of Revit to work happily with other programs is, alas, overrated and leads to more problems than it solves. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your responses...

I am a student working on my portfolio and related projects...

I am very interested in using a modern style of range hood for an
Island set up that uses curvature of glass as a vent hood to replace a
stainless box vent hood. I'm not too sure of the functionality but
the appearance is really slick... From what I can find so far this
style of range hood offered by 4 manufactures is only available in a
down as a dwg or a dxf NOT a rvt. (pictures attached)

I hear your thoughts loud and clear on the Revit compatibility. I
don't know if I would have the time but I was thinking I might want to
go ahead and create a new family,

[Anonymous]

I am working on your idea now... Thx.

[Sahay_R]

Create the new family. Learn how to do it right.

[Anonymous]

Hello Folks...  I just wanted to follow up with you regarding my progress with my Project.. I did model the vent hood iun REvit with the exception of the glass which I modeled in Autocad then imported into my Vent Hood Family.. Attached are copies of the renderings and family editor

[Sahay_R]

WOW! If I could give you double, triple, and quadruple Kudos I would do so! Well done!!

[DigitalMemory]

You can do any geometry in Revit using solids void and reference planes. it may take a few steps but you eventually get the hang of it.
For example you may draw the glass curvature on the right or left elevation using the L/R reference plane to draw a solid extrusion, then in plan you can draw the void geometry to create the joint condition.
The other way is to draw a sweep.
To import solid geometry I have found that the ACIS SAT files are much better.
You can also get more complex by using FLUX to export and import geometry from different formats including rhino, grasshopper, sketchup, Autocad, 3dmax,etc

Good luck