This project involved creating a custom automation tool designed to process 3D models across multiple software platforms, ultimately preparing the models for use in 3ds Max. The solution included developing specific plugin scripts for each software case, enhancing the workflow efficiency for architectural visualization projects.
What I delivered:
- Web Page Integration
- Email Notifications
- Autonomous Operations: The tool automates a series of actions required to convert models from Revit to 3ds Max, streamlining the entire process and reducing manual effort.
- Custom Plugins: Developed specific plugins for Photoshop and 3ds Max, enabling seamless integration and task execution across the various platforms.
- Complex Workflow Management: The tool simplifies the complicated process of model conversion, reducing the potential for errors and ensuring consistency across software platforms.
Result: * Time Reduction: The standard workflow for processing a model typically took 1-2 days. With this automated tool, the entire process can be completed in significantly less time, enhancing productivity for artists and developers alike.
Overview
This project involved creating a custom automation tool designed to process 3D models across multiple software platforms, ultimately preparing the models for use in 3ds Max. The solution included developing specific plugin scripts for each software case, enhancing the workflow efficiency for architectural visualization projects.
Supported Software:
- Revit
- 3ds Max
- Rhino
- Photoshop
- Web Page Integration
- Email Notifications
Key Features:
- Autonomous Operations: The tool automates a series of actions required to convert models from Revit to 3ds Max, streamlining the entire process and reducing manual effort.
- Custom Plugins: Developed specific plugins for Photoshop and 3ds Max, enabling seamless integration and task execution across the various platforms.
Workflow Steps:
- Model Conversion: Revit to 3ds Max
- Open Revit Software: Initiate the model processing by opening the appropriate Revit file.
- Detach from Central: Navigate to the file menu, select 'Open file,' choose the desired file, and click 'detach from central.'
- Preserve Worksets: In the file opening menu, select 'detach and preserve worksets' and 'ignore missing links.'
- Geometry Cleanup: Use the project browser to delete unnecessary elements (e.g., furniture) by selecting all instances in the project.
- Save the Revit File: Save the cleaned model as a new Revit file.
- Import to 3ds Max:
- Open 3ds Max: Launch 3ds Max 2018 and import the Revit model.
- Import Settings: Choose the 3D view set up in Revit and select 'combine by material,' ensuring only 'materials' are ticked in the import settings.
- Process Scene with CS Script: Use the 'scene processor' script to scan the scene, retaining original object names for easy swapping and removing unnecessary processes.
- Error Checking: Inspect the geometry for flipped normals and apply 'edit poly' and 'smooth' modifiers appropriately to ensure all elements are correctly formatted.
- File Organization: Save the final file in 3ds Max 2016, organizing it by layers with the correct names and IDs.
Efficiency Gains:
- Time Reduction: The standard workflow for processing a model typically took 1-2 days. With this automated tool, the entire process can be completed in significantly less time, enhancing productivity for artists and developers alike.
Challenges Addressed:
- Complex Workflow Management: The tool simplifies the complicated process of model conversion, reducing the potential for errors and ensuring consistency across software platforms.
- Collaboration and Communication: Integrated email notifications keep team members informed of progress, facilitating better collaboration on projects.
Conclusion:
This custom automation tool showcases a comprehensive approach to optimizing the architectural visualization workflow, combining technical development with practical application across multiple software environments.
3ds Max Plugin Development for Rebus Farm
Overview: This project involves the development and enhancement of plugins for Rebus Farm, a rendering service that supports Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, and Maya. The focus is on creating new features that streamline the process of sending render jobs to the server and implementing updates in C++ and Python.