3D AutoCAD Models to DVSP
I use AutoCAD to create my 3D objects for use in Dynamite VSP. My VIZ / MAX modelling skills are limited, so I find it much easier to do this work in AutoCAD.
Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up along the way, especially if your not that familiar with MAX.
I start by creating my 3D models in AutoCAD (in meters) and make sure the 3D model is logically placed at the drawings origin (0,0,0)
I ensure all 3D objects are placed on logical layers which will end up having a Dynamite material finish applied to them i.e. I put all concrete objects in a concrete layer, steel objects in a steel layer etc, etc. (This makes it very easy to assign DVSP Material IDs later)
I then import the 3D model into a new MAX scene (without Dynamite VSP). The DWG Import Options > Geometry tab contains a few important settings.
I use the Derive AutoCAD Primitives by set to layer, which basically attaches/groups all MAX objects together by their layer. The Maximum surface deviation for 3D solids is a very import setting, and this controls the level of detail created for the 3D objects. Having a high setting creates a small amount of MAX faces, but then the 3D objects created can be very “jaggered” as shown below.
This 3D model was created using a setting of 1.0m, but is not good enough to use.
Decrease to setting down to 0.01m and the 3D model created is much smoother, but has many more faces. I adjust this setting for each 3D model until I am happy with the result.
The DWG Import Options > Layers tab allows you to only import certain layers into MAX, depending on what layer is ticked.
Once the 3D model is in MAX, assigning Dynamite Material Channel or Face ID’s is a simple process.
1. Select the object you want to assign a Face ID to i.e. Stainless Steel
2. Open the MAX Command Panel rollout
3. Select the MAX Modify icon (blue half rainbow) in the Command Panel
4. Expand the Editable Mesh option and select Face
5. Now you can select the 3d model in the MAX window by “windowing” around it. Only the faces of the Stainless object will be selected
6. With these faces selected, scroll down to the bottom of the Command Panel rollout, and type in the Dynamite Material ID you need into the Set ID: opening. Dynamite Material ID’s can be found on pages 186-192 of the Dynamite VSP Reference Guide PDF file , or in the Dynamite VSP help menus. In this case I want a material finish of Steel, and so use a Face ID = 1
7. Continue this process until all Material ID’s are assigned to various objects.
8. Then you need to “attach” all objects to one of the objects, creating ONE 3D model for use in Dynamite. Do this by selecting an object, and using the attach button in the MAX Command Panel rollout, found in the Edit Geometry menu.
9. All you need to do now is place the .max file in the correct Dynamite VSP location C:\Program Files\3am Solutions\Dynamite VSP 3\Country Kit ??\Objlibs\Furniture\ along with a new .ini file for the Dynamite VSP object. The exact location depends on which country kit is currently active in Dynamite VSP.
I need help importing Bentley Microstation & Geopak data into Dynamite VSP. Can you help me? My email address is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)