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Normal and transparency problems -3DSMax

by Bill Koons · in Artist Corner · 11/18/2004 (2:36 pm) · 4 replies

I have two problems with one object I have created in Max and exported to a dts file

I needed a two sided object so I modeled one side copied this object, moved it slightly, and flipped the normals to create the other side of this thin object. I reset the transforms on both objects named both objects with the sort:xxxx naming convention. I also mapped a png texture with transparency on the edge of the object.


I had a bunch of weird sorting problems and missing polygons. The first thing I did is replace the transparent texture with a solid texture. This fixed a lot of problems. Two polygons on both sides had normals flipped. I am not sure why it was these two polygons. The only solution I could find was to flip the normals of jus the two polygons in max so they appeared to have holes. This fixed the problem but is seems like a bad way to fix the problem.

The next problem can when I put the transparent texture back on. The drawing order seemed to be messed up on everything with a transparent texture. I am not sure what to do.
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Torque 3D Owner Adam deGrandis
Adam deGrandis
#1
11/19/2004 (5:10 am)
First things first. You may already know about this, but your language makes me think you don't... Rather than model half of the object and then copy it over, try this: when you are starting to build your object, cut it down the middle, then click the mirror button and choose instance as what you want to copy over. Instances are great because when you model one side, the changes happen automatically on the other side too. It's super helpful (and dare I say "necessary") when you are modeling anything symmetrical.

That being said, if you want to mail me the file, ill take a look and see if I can figure whats wrong.

Torque Owner David Hecker
#2
11/20/2004 (12:26 am)
On a side note, you can also use the Symmetry modifier. The advantage of this over using a Mirror, is that you can set a Vertex Weld threshold, so you can see your character/object without seams down the centre.

Torque 3D Owner dsfsd
#3
11/20/2004 (12:43 am)
I may have read that wrong, but maybe your doing too much work?
If this object is really thin (say like a chainlink fence or something) like you say, why not just leave the one side (no copying) and set the material to 2-sided?

Posting a screenshot if get a chance, it'll help the rest of us figure out what your trying to do, there may be an easier way. :)

Torque Owner Alex Swanson
#4
11/22/2004 (9:26 am)
Please use the new Torque art forums for questions about exporters. As they are new, don't forget to add them to your subscribed forums so they show up on your unread posts.