#DXFOUT Thread
13 messages in this thread
Some weeks ago there was a thread on this Forum aboout some of the problems
encountered when merging a DXF file from AME. I would like to re-read this
but cannot find it. Would anyone happen to remember the subject name and
approximate dates? Many thanks,
Paul
<<Some weeks ago there was a thread on this Forum aboout some of the problems
encountered when merging a DXF file from AME. I would like to re-read this
but cannot find it. Would anyone happen to remember the subject name and
approximate dates? >>
paul,
Even if they remebered, it probably wouldn't be on the forum anymore. Message
scroll off the forum in about a week. Did you have a specific AME to 3DS
question? We can try to help you out….
-Brian
Brian
Thanks for your prompt reply. My problem is the age old one of having faces
missing or reversed. I have found ways of minimizing the problem but have
never learned how to correct it "face by face" when the general solutions fail.
The thread I should have copied talked about how one could correct these errant
faces on a one by one basis. Any comments are most welcome.
<< My problem is the age old one of having faces missing or reversed>>
There are a couple of tools on the 3D Studio side that might help you with your
existing models, for example Yost's OPTIMIZE routine. However the best remedy
is to create your models in AutoCAD with the knowledge they are going to 3D
Studio. The most important rule to remeber is that for any two adjacent faces
on the 3D surface of your AutoCAD model, they must share two vertex points.
Otherwise, they will be treated as different surfaces. If they are treated as
different surfaces, you might see a seam and the normals might not be pointing
in the same direction. If you folow the fule of adjacent faces sharing two
vertex points, the whole object will be one surface, and all the normals will
be facing the same way. It might be the wrong way, but since the normals are
unified, a simple Object Normals Flip will give you a proper object.
-brian
Brian
I create all my objects in Solids (AME2.1) and remesh them with a wire density
of 12 before a DXFOUT. I generally have had good luck with the imported files
in 3ds but occasionally have a problem with the complex ones. (some of the DXF
files are 25-30 megs) I would like to examine the faces in 3DS and repair them
from time to time. Your comments, please.
Thanks, Paul
Make sure to NOT unify normals or auto-weld vertices when bringing in AME
objects. That might help clear things up.
Dave
Thanks Dave, I have learned your suggestions the hard way. I want to be able
to "repair" an occasionsl face or hole but do not know how to do it. There was
a thread about two weeks ago that addressed this subject in great and concise
detail. I am really kicking myself that I didn"t file the responses. I was
hoping that some of the kind souls that contributed to that thread would give
me a second chance but it is looking hopeless at this point. Anyway thanks for
your response.
Paul
Paul
There are a couple of ways to repair an occasional missing face. One is to use
Create/Face/Build and pick the 3 verticies in a counterclockwise order to get
the face normal to be toward you (right hand rule).
You can also use Modify/Vertex/Weld to pick one vertex around the hole and
weld it to another, closing the hole. This works well on small holes.
Is Europe vacation or work?
TedB
-Ted Boardman
!^NavFont01F0007MGHHH428DD2
Ted
Nice to hear from you. I will try your suggestions right away. Many thanks.
Europe is based on my formula of 1/3 business (Italy, where I have a principle
licensee for some of my patents) and 2/3 pleasure (Various countries) <G>
Paul
I don't remember if this was already suggested to you or not, but you ought to
dl the demo version of the Yost Boutique OPTIMIZE IPAS. It will let you spin
objects around in a shaded mode AND to view little arrows representing normals
sprouting for each face. You can also click on the arrows to flip the normal.
Of course, in the REAL version, you can SAVE the changes you make. It's really
handy for figuring out those odd little holes.
Dave
David
Thanks for your quick response. I will DL the demo. Sounds very good.
Paul
Paul;
I was having similar problems a few weeks ago, and possibly it was the thread
addressed to me. Anyway, the suggestion to download OPTIMIZE is a good one. I
ultimately purchased it, and it works great. What I have found is that it will
flip all the normals to be in one direction where the one in 3DS may not. For
me, it was well worth the $$$ because I didn't have to slave over which face to
flip on many, many meshes. After attempting to flip each one in this program,
I discovered that a simple click on "Unify Obj." did the trick in seconds. And
as a bonus, you can reduce your mesh count. Plus the other IPAS' that I haven't
even had time to look at.
I found holes in meshes that I wouldn't have discovered until after rendering a
long animation. That would have hurt very bad.
Definitely check it out.
Also, after reading your post about the demo not working, do you have an older
card that may work with it? It may be worth a try. I didn't read the
directions about Vibrant however, I just ran with it and it worked. I think I
have a Hercules graphite 2Meg card.
Dennis
Dennis
Thanks for your comments…I will take your recommendation and purchase the
IPAS from Yost. ( When I can find out where ) It sounds like it is just the
thing I need. I really like doing my designing with AME and have given up on
R13 for the present because it doesn't support AME and while the solids in R13
might be the "cat's meow" for some it doesn't suit my dicipline.
As for the Vibrant thing please see my post to Jonus in the Hdw/Op
section…Ciao
Paul