Hi Shaun,

> I have to jump through hoops with IT dept to update any
> software. But I will if I have to.

I think Steve mentioned back here:
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=4567.3


That it did need both the current service pack as well as the latest FBX import plug-in installed for the current version of Max to get the vertex normals to come in properly.

So you may need to go through whatever process you need to get those updates installed before that will work properly.

- Michael

When I have trouble with FBX and Max I have found exporting out as a SAT and importing the SAT into 123D then exporting that file out as a DWG. Max then has no problem with the DWG from 123D. It's a very high poly count but works well.

cheers

Val

GOT IT! If you download Autodesks Connection Extension you can import SAT files and render NURBS directly. Smooth as a baby's ...

Nice tip and rendering. Its probably still performing tessellation though, you can check the quality by placing some white(no diffuse shading, just a constant colour) rectangular strips above the car - then zoom right in - especially where you have high curvature rounding.

I find that FBX works fine with Max (although you need the latest version). Best results seem to be using N-Gons.

I put a car paint shader on for this rendering just because I never used it before. Later I tried the Arch n Design materials and all the reflections got goofy. Also, when you import the scale gets goofed up. So it's by no means a hassle free process, but it's nice to see that the Max team is starting to consider solid formats more.