How do I make solid models look good for our clients?

[eng1234]

Long time user of Ideas and currently using 10NX, love it. I would like to produce high end looking visual models that our design clients can look at and interpet. I'm able to create jpg, tiff, and VRML files for them to rotate, etc, but would really like to do more. I see the capabilities of Solidworks with Chrome surfaces and reflective glass and wonder if I can do that with Ideas? How about even adding different colors than the standard color wheel?

Thanks,
Todd

 

[elab]

Todd,

I don't know about the photorealistic stuff, but it is pretty simple to create your own colors in I-DEAS.

Options - Color Pallette - Create...then just put in your RGB percentages.

Hope this helps.

 

[eng1234]

Thanks elab,

I was able to find the color cube through the options menu and make a few custome colors. Can you write these extra colors to a default file that can be used for any new model file, or do you need to create new colors in each model file you create.

Still interested in finding out about the photorealistic capabilities of Ideas.

Thanks

 

[RCDLtd]

It's not photorealistic but the Texture/Decal option under Surface Appearance allows you to apply textures to your model.

It's fairly restrictive in how the textures are applied but will give more "realistic" finishes than solid colours.

When I want actual Photorealistic Renderings I translate my models through 3D Studio Max and work within that system.

 

[eng1234]

RCDltd,

Thanks for the tips on improved model visualization. I will try to import my files into 3D studio Max.

 

[eng1234]

RCDLtd,

One more question, where do I find the Texture/decal option. I have checked all options under the shaded image icon and can't find anything?

Thanks

 

[RCDLtd]

3rd Row, 8 Down "Appearance..."

Select the Icon, select the part or Surface, Enter, and the Surface Appearance window will open.

For Max, Translate your files as STL's. Max doesn't need the surace data.

 

[TDOKEY]

Hi,
If you are still looking for a easy way to create many different colors with out going through all the color pallets and options go to this website and download a color program file.

http://www.rothers.demon.co.uk/progs.html

the file you need is named "color def.prg."
All you need to do is:
1. Download "color def.prg." to any drive on your computer.
2.In IDEAS master modeler go to File>program files>run. then find the directory and program file, click OK and you will have many colors.

Travis