Topic: DGN file to DWG for 3ds Max

[VanDenWee]

Hello,

I've a background in polygonal modelling and have actually never used any CAD program before.

My client gave me some DGN files of some big structure, that needs to be converted to an optimized polygonal model for use in an interactive realtime visualisation. The optimizing and texturing will be done in 3ds Max.
I did some research and Autocad is able to open DGN.
The only problem I have is when I import a DGN in autoCAD (I downloaded the trial version of the most recent version) the file only exist out of the 3d drawing/lines/wireframe. When I switch view to shaded, nothing happens, so I assume there aren't any surfaces, meshes or solids in the scene. Also when I import the DWG into MAX, the scene will only exist out of lines.
But when I check the original DGN file, with Bentely View, it contains surfaces/ meshes/ solids.
So my question is, is there any way to keep those solidmodels intact during import into autoCAD, or is there an easy way to convert those lines in autoCAD to surfaces?

Hope someone can help.

Thanks,

Floyd van den Wijngaard

[deegeecees]

Export it to IGES may give you what you need for 3DSMax.

Or Export to 3ds in AutoCad.

[Matt__W]

Can 3DS Max import DGNs?  I mean... if AutoCAD can, one would think that maybe Max could too.  Just thinking out loud...

[mjfarrell]

perhaps look at one of thse free converters to convert the DGN to IGES  http://3d2f.com/tags/dgn/iges/converter/download/

[VanDenWee]

Unfortunatly 3ds max doesn't support DGN.

It didn't occure to me to try another route by for example export it to IGES.
I will try it tomorrow.

Thanks.

[VanDenWee]

Too bad, I couldn't find a tool that does DGN to IGES conversion.

But should it be possible to get 3d solids/surfaces/meshes (what ever the correct name is) from an imported DGN in autoCAD 2011?

If it isn't I have to ask my client to see if he can supply the source files in another format. Any suggestions what file format is best and can be achieved with Microstation (I assume that's the tool they used). I read somewhere in my search for a solution Microstation is also able to export to DWG. Would this file contain 3d solids/surfaces/meshes or would I end up with the same result as autoCAD?

Thanks again.

Floyd

[mjfarrell]

They can save to DWG, I could also open the DGN file for you and save to DWG with MAP.
Want me to give that a try?  If yes send me the file to test the resultant output.

[VanDenWee]

Thanks for you offer, but the problem is already solved.

They sent me a test dwg convertered with MicroStation. This file contained 3d meshes when I imported it in 3ds Max.
Weird I wasn't able to achieve the same with autoCAD, probably did something wrong.
Glad it's solved.


Floyd