I’ve already received some great advice from Hoffman regarding this, but I would like to find out how many others out there are doing similar work as me. I work with a number of different manufacturers on animating their products. I use EIAS 5.5. My most recent request comes from an outfit using Rhino 3D. I’ve been unsuccessful, so far, in getting any of those CAD exports to import properly (or at all) in EI.
I’ve been instructed to use .3ds, and turn “off” validation. Do any of you regularly have cause to import foreign 3D models into EIAS? If so, can you shed some light on what you all do to make the process go smoothly?
I have a friend who works with Rhino. He exported DXF for me once, and it worked fine. The model was complex, but very few materials. I could ask what file formats he can produce.
Thanks very much for that input. And, indeed, I’ll go with Matt’s advice first. He actually suggested that I try posting my more detailed question about whether there are any important settings upon export from Rhino, or for that matter, other 3D modeling apps.
But if you wouldn’t mind asking your friend who uses Rhino if they might have any sage advice, I’d really appreciate it.
I’m looking into it now. I seem to recall the last file exchange, we did with DXF files. Of course it is very likely that I used formZ in the middle. I’m hoping to get some test files from him today. And I’ll let you know if anything works, and how. I’ve asked for 3DS and OBJ exports....
Thanks so much, again. I’ll be curious to hear what you find out.
Also, how do you like FormZ? I still use the last EI Modeler, and really like the way it works for what I usually need to model. But (obviously) there are problems with a program which isn’t made any longer… So, I was considering FormZ. Did/do you use Modeler? Can you compare the two?
Here’s what I got. Rhino exports in the following formats:
.3dm; .igs; .stp; .obj; .dwg; .dxf; .3ds; .sat; .x_t; .lwo; .raw; .pov; .udo; .stl; .wrl; .vrml; .ai; .wmf; .rib; .csv; .vda; .txt; .slc; .gf; .mts; .xgl
The 3DS-export imported fine, although stray lines seem to have exported as objects, and had to be deleted in EIAS. I would suggest you ask the client to delete all points and lines. Export only objects. I’m trying to attach the settings screen capture… see below.
The OBJ didn’t work. The import error was ‘unexpected token’ That file opened fine in formZ and could then be exported as a fact. Export setting attached below..
I believe once you have the file in EIAS you can export it as a fact, and re-import it. You maybe able to weld like materials that way, and this may give you greater file compatibility, incase you open the file in a year with upgraded software.
I started using both formZ and EI in the mid 90’s. formZ had no rendering engine, and EI was just Rendering. They played well together… and still do. formZ was second nature to me by the time the Modeler rolled around. And Modeler seemed better geared to characters… I do buildings. I played around a bit in modeler, and found no reason to switch (AKA learning curve).
formZ offers a very stable exchange with EIAS. The models render very well. It also offers the ability to import a lot of different model formats. I like the interface for modeling, and of course have used it so long that I know little else. It’s not cheap, but the basic package gives you everything you need to do Architectural and industrial models.
I don’t have much respect for the rendering side of formZ, slowwwwww… of course that’s why we are in this forum.
I looked at those screen caps, but the one looked like it was for .OBJ? Or is that simply what the dialog box says generically?
I’m (sort of) able to import .3DS. However, the file comes into EI in thousands of single polygons, and takes forever to manipulate. Obviously, that’s not the solution. So if those export dialogs you posted would also work for .3DS, I’ll forward them to the Rhino user.
You mentioned a basic package of Form Z? I didn’t realize there were different levels. Do they offer plugins or the like? To be honest, I haven’t had much luck joining the user forum to ask questions - I never seem to receive my user info in my email. I know you’ve been using the program for a long while now, but have you found success with tech & user support through their website?
the dialogue box wit OBJ was for the OBJ export. The one with 3DS was for 3DS.
formZ basic is just the modeler, then there are several versions with different rendering engines. And their customer service is good, I’ve never had any issues. Of course, my registration worked, and if I have a burning problem… I call.
They do have plug-ins.... though for what you describe the basic package has all you will need.
There is a neat new artist-friendly, yet cad-accurate NURBS modeler available. It is called Moi3D, or “Moment of Inspiration”. It is designed and maintained by the gentleman who developed Rhinoceros 3D for Robert Macneil and Associates. Moi3D is designed for use with a Wacom-style tablet, and outputs in the Rhino format. This might be worth a look to some EI users. Has anyone out there tried Moi3D yet? If so, what do you think?
I use Rhino and EI a lot ...export as ACIS .sat Version 6, import into EIM (where you will have to mirror and rotate 90 degrees as Rhino uses a Z axis where EI uses an X for up), export from EIM.
Or export as .obj from Rhino (Rhino’s mesher isn’t as good as EIM’s), buy Obj2Fac as EI’s obj importer is buggy and does not work right.
I personally suggest you use EIM as your bridge to EI. If you are on a PC, EIM will read the .sat file fine if on a mac you will have to convert the PC exported Rhino .sat to a OSX friendly format using something like Text wrangler - just ‘save a copy’ and EIM will now see it.
