Editable mesh not showing . . .

[daveyboyd]

Hi,

 

I have created a 3D image of a bridge in AutoCAD 2014 using 3D Solids, Surface Networks/Lofts and Mesh. When I import this into 3DS I am unable to assign materials to some of the surfaces. Its like they are hidden. I can select the polygon but cant apply materials. This is very random as some of the surfaces are fine and they have been created in exactly the same way in AutoCAD. Is there a way of making these surfaces 'live' for want of a better word ??

 

Thanks

 

Dave

 

Plymouth.max

[Cad64]

Can you post some screenshots of the parts where you can't assign materials? I have opened your model but I'm not having any trouble assigning materials.

[daveyboyd]

Here you go...

 

The first shows the polygon on layer 3D ROAD selected, I assign a material to it but it doesn't show

 

The second shows the polygon with a material assigned to it (note the embankment surface is also not showing even though all the other embankment surfaces are??)

 

 

[Cad64]

Sorry but I don't know what's wrong. Everything works fine on my end. If I have time later I'll try to investigate further but right now I have a deadline to meet. Hopefully someone else will come along with some advice or you will figure it out on your own before I get back to it though.

[daveyboyd]

Ok, no problems, I'll see if I can sus it out my end. Thanks for helping out

[daveyboyd]

SOLVED: (sort of) I deleted the original surface and created a new mesh in the AutoCAD model, imported it in and voila it appears! Not sure why it didn't like the first one but all good, thanks again anyway

[lrm]

It seems to work ok for me. I opened the file in 3ds Max 2016, selected all with a big select window. Assigned an orange material then clicked Assign Material to Selected. I then defined other materials an assigned them a color. I experimented with surface normals but that did not seems to be a problem.

[daveyboyd]

No, thought I'd worked it out but its still happening. The polygons are there but they only show up in a Hidden Line viewport. I cant apply any materials to them, its a mystery. Going to try and make a solid out of the mesh and see if that works . . .

[daveyboyd]

Ahaa! I worked out that I have to apply a 'NORMAL' modifier and flip it, god knows why but it works!!

[Cad64]

I think I know what's happening. If you select the object, 3D Road, then right click and choose "Object Properties", I'm guessing you probably have "Backface Cull" enabled. When Backface Cull is enabled, polygons are invisible when viewed from the back side. If you disable it, you will be able to see polygons from both sides. I always have mine disabled which is why I was able to see everything when I opened your file. It's good that you flipped the polygons though. It's important for them to face the correct direction.