CompuServe Thread

#3ds Max importing

2 messages in this thread
#185833From: Nik Grant [adesk]Aug 18, 1995 10:42 AM
"Microstation uses b-splines for a large part of modeling which 3ds doesn't seem to like" This is a problem that I don't believe we are currently addressing (I don't see it listed as a bug). Can you tell me more – even submit a file? This way we can address this as a bug. The DXF format is dictated by Autodesk, so there should be no illegal shapes in it as far as I can tell. But, are you saying that where Microstation would create, say a simple object that translates to b-splines, AutoCAD would create a DXF of the same object differently? If that's the case, a simple object in both the Microstation file format and the DXF it creates would be of great help in getting some help (or some information) on this. Thanks.
#186109From: Grahame NaylorAug 20, 1995 11:22 AM
Nik uStation can create polyface meshes in DXF (and .DWG) files which only have two vertices. ACAD12 (and probably 13) will accept these files but will pass the entities on un-corrected into a new DXF file. As far as I know uStation will reject these .DXF files (so if some one is sending you something get them to try reading it back in). 3DS will reject this DXF file with an "Invalid Ratnest" error message. The only solution I have come across is an AutoLisp routine I got a friend to write. This deletes any 3DFace with less than 3 vertices. As far as general conversion goes the latest DXF translator in uStation5 does a very much better job of converting splines to polygons but beware of excessively complex (and badly fitting caps on tubes). uStation compatibility in 3DSMax would be great it is the modeller of choice with the more "design" oriented architects in the UK.