Sycode import-export

rv1974 · 15 Jan 2009, 09:59

Did anybody tried this bunch:
http://www.sycode.com/news/09_01_06.htm
I just wonder what's the point?

remus · 15 Jan 2009, 10:34

I iamgine theyre trying to attract professionals who would benefit greatly from decent exporters between their major packages. I think the proce reflects this, as well.

thomthom · 15 Jan 2009, 11:23

The point? Well, Sketchup doesn't really impress with import options of 3D formats. The .3ds format is very old and limiting. On top of that it has some show stopper bugs such as messing up the UV mapping of backfaces and not positioning instances correctly.
Then you got the DWG format which doesn't retain any materials and isn't ideal if you allready have a textured model you want to import.

It's frustrating trying to get a Revit model in to SU. Revit only exports to DWG or FBX. If I use the FBX, which is a good format by the way, I have to import it into 3DS Max and then convert it into .3ds. That have mixed results. the plus is that elements have correct materials. But due to the SU instance import bug I have to run a script which makes each instance unique, and that doesn't always work. It also means that the SU model is very inefficient since everything is unique. Also, when I go by that route I get extra high poly count.

If I go by DWG, I some times get openings in the mesh if it's not a co-planar surface. And any material assignment is gone. I made a SU script that does an OK job at reapply some basic material, but it's still awkward.

Having more import/export options would be great. I asked Sycode if they planned .fbx support and they said they'll look into it. I really hope they do as it'd be of great help if it works properly.

linea · 15 Jan 2009, 12:57

Thomthom
Yes I have had to work with other people's data that has come out of Revit, sometimes the models come into SU in very poor shape, it can be easier to start again.

As for Sycode, the price seems very steep. Is that $195 for each importer/exporter?!

thomthom · 15 Jan 2009, 13:36

Yes. There has been projects where I recommended not to use the Revit model as the Sketchup model where just unmanageable.

But I agree that the plugin price is steep. They mentioned that they might consider to lower it. Hope they do. I had hoped for other importers in SU7, but alas... SU8? heh!

rv1974 · 15 Jan 2009, 13:53

well I tried their .3ds export with 2 simple cubes (components).
The plug-in complained that it can't be exported because they're components
and I'd explode them before.
I uninstalled it instead (which imho is a much more productive idea)