2008

IGES Files
Overview of IGES in 3ds Max
The Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) is an ANSI standard that
defines a neutral form for the exchange of information among dissimilar
computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and
computer visualization systems. The software implements the IGES standard
for translating files between 3ds Max and IGES file formats used by the
mechanical engineering and entertainment industries. Using the IGES
import/export feature, you can read in and write out native
NURBS on page
7864 data between 3ds Max and programs such as Mechanical Desktop release
3.0, Maya
™
, Pro/ENGINEER
®
, SOFTIMAGE
®
, CATIA
®
, and others. For complete
details on the IGES standard, see The Initial Graphics Exchange Specification
(IGES) Version 5.3.
What IGES Translates
The ideal file translation preserves the appearance and functionality of objects
(called entities in IGES) contained in a file. This process has limits. You should
be aware that some 3ds Max objects are not supported or not fully supported
by IGES. Similarly, be aware that some IGES entities are not supported by the
software. For example, you can't translate animation data and mapping
coordinates, as these elements are not supported by IGES.
As with all translations, concepts that can be expressed succinctly in one
language might not have exact equivalents in another language; conversely,
concepts common to two languages might be expressed differently by each.
Even when the objects you translate don't have an equivalent in the target
system, a one-time translation to or from IGES might not pose a serious
problem. However, data loss can become a concern if you maintain objects
that will be repeatedly translated in and out of different formats through IGES.
By becoming familiar with the details of the systems and the IGES translators
you use, you can learn to structure files to minimize information loss.
WARNING The conversion of objects during translation is not fully symmetrical.
If you import an IGES file that you created by exporting to IGES, the resulting
objects might not be identical to the original.
7020 | Chapter 21 Managing Scenes and Projects