Import 3ds Max file into SolidWorks 6

[DiegoLGraves]

We are beginning to work with a new customer who designs in 3ds Max. Can you please suggest a file format to use for importing into SolidWorks? Or suggest a process you've used successfully? Our initial preference is for something free rather than a purchased product, as there is no revenue at this time.

Thanks, Diego

 

[Eltron]

You can use the Scan to 3D in your add-ins, but you aren't going to like what you get. 3DSMax isn't a proper CAD format.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[DiegoLGraves]

Dan, thanks. We are using SW standard version which does not include scanto3d.

Kind regards, Diego

 

[rollupswx]

3ds Max files are coarsely faceted surfaces.
Generally only of use as reference geometry to recreate in SWx.

 

[rfus]

It is possible to do Nurbs modeling in 3ds Max. Ask your customer if they are using Nurbs or Polygons. If Nurbs, IGES, is a way to export from 3ds and import into SW. If Polygons, rollupswx and Eltron are correct and you will exssentially have to do reverse engineering processes on this triangulated model data.

 

[JMirisola]

There is a translator available from Sycode. You can find it here:

http://www.sycode.com/products/3ds_import_sw/index.htm.

Hope this helps.

Jeff Mirisola
Director of Engineering
M9 Defense
My Blog