CompuServe Thread

#Disappearing Faces

7 messages in this thread
#25843From: Moosa IsmailOct 30, 1992 8:53 AM
Help! I am trying to create an animation of a site for our Waste Management department. I am DXF'ing in a series of TIN's (triangulated irregular network) models that were created using our in house software. When I DXF it into both Microstation and AutoCad (11 or 12) there is nothing wrong. But once it comes into 3DS R1, I can only see the faces from the bottom. Once I pass over the top, I can see right thru the wire mesh! i am REALLY confused. I have loaded from our software successfully before. Has anyone seen this before? If so, how do I fix it? I need to put this to a video by then end of next week, so I am in a teeny tiny bit of a rush. Thanx for listening….. later. Peter PS (Please address this to me, since several of us from this company log in and they might get my mail first.)
#25856From: Yost GroupOct 30, 1992 10:04 AM
Peter, if you're using 3DSr1, you ought to be using the external DXF3DS.EXE utility to convert DXF files into 3DS files with automatic coincident vertex welding and surface normal unification. Better yet, you ought to upgrade to 3DSr2, since you're doing yourself a massive disservice by using r1 with r2 available. Your problem is due to surface normals, and a good rule of thumb is to use 2-sided materials when rendering cad models. However, that is MUCH MUCH MUCH slower in 3DSr1, and hardly a performance hit at all in 3DSr2. – G PS: DXF3DS.ZIP is in the 3D Studio DL library here in the forum.
#25859From: Moosa IsmailOct 30, 1992 11:03 AM
Thanx for the fast answer. I will see if I can get R2 asap! I know that I need it, its just whether or not I can get the guy who signs the bills here to agree!! <grin> I will you the 3dsdxf again and see how it goes. Later. Peter.
#25938From: doug ritceyOct 31, 1992 8:05 PM
Peter Nice to see I'm not the only environmental consultant that works weekends (or that's interested in 3DS). If you're looking for a copy of 3DS R2, I may still have one for sale (of course it would be cheaper to upgrade your Version 1). Cheers Doug Ritcey Pollutech Geotechnical Oakville, Ontario
#25960From: Moosa IsmailNov 1, 1992 1:23 PM
Thanx, I am going to call my vendor my Monday morning to see how much the upgrade'll be. Maybe I'll get back to you after she does… Thanx. Pete.
#25979From: doug ritceyNov 1, 1992 6:46 PM
I'm sure you'll do much better with an upgrade than by buying mine (upgrades are a lot less expensive than a new version!). However, if you're trying to reach me, I'm going to be drilling in Sarnia all week – you can try my mobile (and voice mail) at 416-520-9645 and I'll call you back. Good luck! Doug Ritcey
#26192From: Moosa IsmailNov 4, 1992 11:43 AM
Thanx Doug… I've got the OK on the upgrade now, its just the 2 to 2 1/2 week wait that I've got to handle now… 😉 Later. Pete.