Why is AutoCAD so bad when it comes to working in 3D?

[spittle]

I'm refering to why I can build a model in 3DS Max which is ten times more complex than those I've done so far in AutoCAD yet when using 3DS Max I've had no issues with PC performance, no objects dissapearing, basically to my suprise - everything works perfect!

I'm looking for a serious answer if anyone knows.

I'm wondering is it because AutoCAD makes everything precise, and also can produce statistics on each entity, or that AutoCAD just sucks?

I'm wondering if other products from Autodesk handle complex models without too many hickups - like maybe inventor?

[StykFacE]

AutoCAD isn't a great mesh modler, 3DS Max is. Plus, 3DS Max works off of NURBS, something AutoCAD knows nothing of.

You are comparing apples to oranges when you compare these two programs. they have night and day differences when it comes to tools, procedures, and many other things. It just boils down to what exactly you're trying to create. if you want awesome support for 2D, with a "decent" 3D support, Sheet plotting setups, and virtually unlimited customization, then you want AutoCAD.

If you want a freeform 3D modeller for very complex structures, animations, mesh support for a more artistic use, plus a much wider range of rendering options, then you want 3DS Max.

The two are almost not compareable at all. This is simply in a nutshell, of course. :)

[Pocket]

Its not "Bad" in 3D, just not very easy nor fast

Styk has it right, your comparing apples to oranges

AutoCAD can do some pretty powerful 3D stuff thou, and every year it gets better
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s98/Pocket_004/Covers-1.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s98/Pocket_004/Covers-5.jpg

[spittle]

I imagined the responses might be like these. To be be fair I've been impressed with AutoCAD, it's just I've sworn far too many times when the damn thing shut's down!

[spittle]

And I've been well impressed with 3DS, here's a work in progress from a tutorial I'm doing. I know if I built it in AutoCAD it would die!

[Lazer]

I know if I built it in AutoCAD it would die!

Nice model looking really good so far, I don't agree with your autocad comment, I think autocad could handle your model, I have not done much autocad 3d for a while so I have just thinking back on what could be done and how Autocad has improved over the last 2 years.



I'm wondering if other products from Autodesk handle complex models without too many hickups - like maybe inventor?

Inventor can handle huge complex 3d models with thousands of components. Let me put it another way, computers of today cannot handle Inventor, Inventor is limited by today's computing power.

[awii668]

good robot model

[JD Mather]

And I've been well impressed with 3DS, here's a work in progress from a tutorial I'm doing. I know if I built it in AutoCAD it would die!

Lets see you generate engineering design data like traditional 2D orthographic dimensioned drawings, CNC code, mass properties, dynamic simulation (including forces, acceleration and the like) from the 3DS model.

I have never used the software but everything I have ever seen from it is "pretty picture" heavily faceted faces of little use other than the picture. Does someone have some engineering use examples.

If you intend to make a living actually designing and building robots like your impressive picture I think I would look at Inventor. If your desire is to design automobiles bodies or very curvy consumer products I would look at Alias. Autodesk has a wide variety of specialized tools that generaly cost more initially than the general purpose AutoCAD product. You expect different performance from you Corvette than your Cobalt, why does everyone expect AutoCAD to be the Corvette at Cobalt price?

[Cad64]

Lets see you generate engineering design data like traditional 2D orthographic dimensioned drawings, CNC code, mass properties, dynamic simulation (including forces, acceleration and the like) from the 3DS model.

I have never used the software but everything I have ever seen from it is "pretty picture" heavily faceted faces of little use other than the picture. Does someone have some engineering use examples.

:? You're kidding right?

Are we still comparing apples to oranges?

3DS Max and Autocad are two completely different programs that are designed for and used in completely different arenas. Autocad is highly technical and precise and used for creating real world designs that can actually be built and used.

3DS Max is an artistic program used to create fantasy models for gaming, animation, movies and 3D artwork. The models created in this program are not intended to be used for any of the reasons you listed. :roll:

I use it at work to create photo simulations of our job sites to give the client an idea of what their site will look like when completed. I then use Autocad to actually create the construction documents. Two different programs to achieve two totally different results. I would not try to do construction documents in Max and I wouldn't try to do the photo sim's in Autocad.

And as far as Autocad being able to create that model that spittle is working on? I have also been working through that same tutorial series. The things I have done so far could probably be done in Autocad, but it would probably take a week to get to the same point I am at in just a few days. And since I'm doing it in Max, I have the ability to fully rig and animate this thing.

And by the way, this is the APU from the Matrix. I seriously doubt anybody is going to actually try to build this thing, so there is no need for any dynamic simulations. It's just for fun and entertainment man.

[spittle]

Me learning 3DS is just a hobby and I'm aware that it's just a 'pretty picture' and not intended for engineering use (although I think you could use it to do some nice renders of models imported from AutoCAD).

I find it frustrating how many issues I get with AutoCAD whether at home or work and how you get messages to the effect of:

"AutoCAD can't be bothered to let you use this function today"

and then for an added kick in the nuts:

"AutoCAD will now close down, sorry for the inconvenience"

I've been modelling part of a water treatment works in AutoCAD and have been simplifying certain parts because it can't cope. Of course the PC's I'm using arn't the best money can buy but I was just suprised how easily 3DS Max copes. No noticeable performance loss even when rotating the model. Come to think of it, I can't rotate the water treatment works model most of the time anymore when using Alt + Mouse Wheel.

And regarding building the same model in AutoCAD - I'd be surprised if it would cope - especially if you chamfer every nut and bolt.

[spittle]

Cad64 (http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/member.php?u=1142) - which other tutorial DVDs have you done so far?

[Cad64]

Cad64 (http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/member.php?u=1142) - which other tutorial DVDs have you done so far?

I bought the Stormbringer dvd at the same time as the APU, but I haven't even started on that one yet.

I'm currently creating a character while working through the Eva Wild dvd series that I got from 3DTotal.com. My character is male though, but I'm using the techniques I'm learning on the dvd and applying them to my own creation. When he's done, I will use him in a scene I'm currently developing.

Other than that, I just worked on several of the free tutorials over at 3DPalace, like:
1. The Ion Cannon
2. The Skimmer
3. The Industrial Scenery (Sci-Fi docks)
4. The Suicide Dropship
5. Blackout: The Escape Unit.
These are all very good tutorials and I would highly recommend them. And they're free! :shock:

Some other very good dvd's that I've purchased from 3DTotal are:
1. ArchiCD II
2. 3DS Max Foundations Lighting & Materials.
I learned a lot about Lighting and working with materials from those dvd's.

[Cad64]

I find it frustrating how many issues I get with AutoCAD whether at home or work and how you get messages to the effect of:

"AutoCAD can't be bothered to let you use this function today"

and then for an added kick in the nuts:

"AutoCAD will now close down, sorry for the inconvenience"

:lol: I feel your pain.
There are 2 tools in Max that are absolutely essential to 3D modeling and Autocad doesn't have either of them. Those tools are Inset and Bevel. Using them, along with the Extrude, Move, Scale & Rotate tools, you can start with a simple box and turn it into a very complex object in literally minutes. The same object would take hours to create in Autocad. Not to mention all of the other tools that Max has to offer that makes modeling so much fun rather than a chore.

Then of course, Max gives you the ability to edit your model by adjusting vertices. Another absolutely essential tool for 3D modeling.

But like I said. Max is for fun and Autocad is for Work. Use the right tool for the job. :wink:

[spittle]

Cool, will check them out once I've done the APU. Firstly might have to have a look at the Lighting and materials tutorials, think that's what I want to learn next. Previous to the APU, I've done the 'batteries not included' and half of the 'nono' tutorial on 3D Palace.
Also might do this one
http://www.3dtotal.com/ffa/tutorials/max/joanofarc/joanmenu.asp
as an introduction to modelling more organic shapes.

I've got a job interview in a couple of weeks in the Civil engineering industry. They're winning awards for their 3D modelling work in Architecture and Civil Engineering amongst others. For my job, as well as 3D modelling, I'd like to add lighting and materials to make them look them look reallistic so hopefully this job will be a big step in the right direction. Providing I get it of course!

[Cad64]

Firstly might have to have a look at the Lighting and materials tutorials, think that's what I want to learn next.

I would recommend either the blackout or the skimmer tutorials then. Chris goes into a lot of detail about how to Unwrap and texture your models.


Also might do this one
http://www.3dtotal.com/ffa/tutorials/max/joanofarc/joanmenu.asp
as an introduction to modelling more organic shapes.

Yah, I've seen that one before. It's pretty good for a basic introduction to organic modeling. You might also want to head over to 3DBuzz.com and register on their site. They do a whole series on organic modeling of an alien in their video training section. It doesn't cost anything to sign up and the videos are free.

Oh, and good luck on the interview.:luck: :thumbsup:

[spittle]

Thanks, will check those tutorials out.

Back on topic of AutoCAD:

I just exported the APU model as a DWG just for an experiment. When trying to move the model around in AutoCAD (especially in Conceptual modes) it's really realy slow, I let go of my mouse and was waiting about 20secs for the thing to catch up. Would this be down to my PC's performance? I've attatched a screen shot of task manager. I'm looking for ways of improving the performance of AutoCAD when working on big drawings. Perhaps it's a Graphics Card issue?

[Cad64]

Well, I just exported my APU and opened it in Autocad to see how my computer would fare, and although I'm not experiencing 20 second lag times, it is jumpy and slow in Conceptual mode. My lag time is more like 2 to 3 seconds and I've got dual 3.0GHz processors, 3GB RAM and an Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT video card. The funny thing is, if I switch to Realistic mode, I have no lag time at all. :?