HOW TO Make 3D Models for msmac3D graphics
Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2018 6:25 pm
FIRST Be sure to
Preliminary instructions!
The following are steps and notes on making a 3D model to work with msmac3D
First you need your model in 3D DXF ASCII or OBJ (lately we've been using OBJ)
To test a DXF to be sure the surfaces are in the proper direction
if not,
We used ver 12 or 13 (use save as)
or use the dialog to point the Model dialog to the directory you have the models
- look through the Online Repository for msmac3D MODELS3D on DropBox as we add models quite freqeuntly
- look on 3DCAD Browser for a model as if you find one you'd like send a link to the Model on the 3D CAD Browser site and we will add it
Preliminary instructions!
The following are steps and notes on making a 3D model to work with msmac3D
First you need your model in 3D DXF ASCII or OBJ (lately we've been using OBJ)
To test a DXF to be sure the surfaces are in the proper direction
- 1) Select Add other Model from medit3D graphics
that will open the model at the origin and take a look at how it looks.
2) On the dialog that opens you can select DXF model
if not,
- Check surface directions
- Put window GLASS on separate layers which start with word GLASS
- Put Side Mirrors in layers with MIRROR in them (so not used in scaling, if large)
- Put ANTENNAE (if any) in layer with ANTENNAE in them (so not used in scaling, if large)
- Be sure to see HOWTO Scale Graphics Models topic for HOWTO scale you model if any issue
- Different colored objects on different layers will make the vehicle look more realistic
- Rims and Tires make separate layers (and colors) that will help make model look more realistic
We used ver 12 or 13 (use save as)
- For RHINO3D use these options
- 1) Whole model.dxf
2) Whole model_notires.dxf
3) Whole model_RStire.dxf
- 1) Whole model.dxf
2) Whole model_notires.dxf
3) Whole model_RFtire.dxf
4) Whole model_RRtire.dxf
- NOTE: if all tires the same use 'RStire' if Front/Rear different use RF RR
- have these DXF with the center at the center of the wheel (Top and side)
- Whole model_RStire.dxf
- for the whole model and model w/o tires, if you have layers with GLASS in the name you can turn off the glass (of views in graphics from vehicle, etc)
- save a picture of the DXF rendered as a jpg or png
- Rename the name to your model name and the suffix M3Dd
- Also size needs to be max 300 pixels for width (so resize to smaller size once captured)
- NOTE: M3Dd is not required, but helps when browsing models
- c:\msoft3D\McHenry3DGraphics/McHenry3DGraphics.exe Action=dxf
- You may get a warning message:
- That Ok the graphics model creation app is a part of 3D graphics and can run along with 3D graphics so you don't need to exit any other instance.
- browse to the directory where the items above are located and it creates the M3D files required (M3D, M3ZDa, M3Db, M3Dc, etc)
- NOTE: It has an option to create 2 faced surfaces which may be required on some models from 3DCADBrowser
or use the dialog to point the Model dialog to the directory you have the models