3ds Max / Maya model into SW2005

[carbonatom]

Hi

Is it possible to import a 3D model created in either 3ds Max or Maya into SolidWorks 2005? If so could you advise on the best way to accomplish this.

Thanks

 

[rfus]

If its polygons your not going to want to bring them in if the polygon count is high. You would use the .stl or .wrl import to get them in. Export from 3rd party as these formats. You have options such as using the polygons as a graphic body, but you can't do anything with it. I suspect you have polygon models with large triangle counts which will bring SW to its knees when you import them as a stl or vrml surface/solid body.

If they are NURBS then .step, .iges, or parasolid (.x_t, .x_b) is the way to bring em in. Export from 3rd party into parasolid if possible, your geometry will be the most stable.

RFUS

 

[Theophilus]

Rhino acts as a great translator from various forms. Perhaps you can check into it to see if it would translate from 3ds/Maya into something useful that it can re-export for SW.

You may even be able to download a demo/trial version of Rhino for free for this task.

Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.

 

[ctopher]

You have to use IGES.
I also found this:

http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=264017&highlight=SOLIDWORKS

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[carbonatom]

Thank you for your helpful answers. I am going to have a model produced in either 3ds Max of Maya and I do not understand what polygons and Nurbs are. Is this two different ways to model in these programs? Can I ask them to create a Nurbs model?

Apologies if I am way off base with this question and would appreciate further guidance.

Thanks

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

http://www.mat.ucsb.edu/~ayoub/courses/freeforms/index.html

http://www.nordwest.net/Adger/tips/tip070.html

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