How to convert an Illustrator file to a 3D model?
How to convert an Illustrator file to a 3D model?
Question
I have been trying to convert an illustrator file to a 3D model for a few hours now, but I keep coming across the same errors.
I am using Maya, but I wouldn't mind using 3DS Max if it would fix my problem.
This is my path in Maya:
I have selected the main part of Australia and gone to Edit Curves -> Open/Close Curves to make sure all my curves are definitely closed. I then go to Surfaces -> Bevel Plus to turn it into a 3D object. Although, this is what happens:
Does anyone happen to know why it is not producing a perfect bevel of the path?
EDIT
Managed to extrude the path, although I am unable to close the faces now.
Accepted Answer
3DS Max Solution.
Convert your shape to outline in Illustrator, check before exporting it if the number of points is too high go to
Pathfinder Options > Remove Redundant Points, then export the shape as your desired format.Check if the scale of your scene is too small, 3DS Max does not work very well with minuscule objects, scale the scene up if you find it necessary.
Check if all the vertices are at the same level (the vertices must be contained in a 2 dimensional plane) , you can fix this by applying
Make Planarto the shape.Add a Weld modifier to the shape and make sure
that all the vertices are connected.Go into Utilities (the hammer icon on your command panel) and run 'shape check' on the spline, if no problem are detected proceed to the next step.
Add a STL Check Modifier, and check the shape for errors.
Extrude the shape with Cap Start and Cap End checked and with Mesh as Output.
Everything is lost:
In case you don't get the caps at ends try adding a Cap Holes Modifier, deselecting smooth new faces.
Try adding a Surface Modifier.
Check vertex by vertex that the shape is closed.