Ecdesign 3D model information

Below you will find a Q&A on how you can best prepare a 3D model before sending it to us for upload into Ecdesign.

1. Supported file formats

The primary file format is 3DS MAX. We do also accept STEP 214, OBJ, U3d, dae and Wrml, but they do require more time to prepare for Ecdesign, which will result in additional cost. Before sending a test file to us, go through the technical requirements in step 2 below.
The closer you can follow the technical requirements when setting up the model, the less time we will need to spend on the model before uploading it to Ecdesign.

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2. How to best prepare the file (technical requirements for (.max file format)

Geometry

The current technical limit for each 3D model in ECDESIGN is maximum 80,000 polygons (triangles).

Material

Assign color material to all parts of the 3D model. All material used in the scene must appear in the Material Editor. Use Only standard materials (no Multi/Sub- Object material or other materials, for example VRay) . Use diffuse color with basic parameters and no reflection, bump, refraction or other mapping functions. If you use a bitmap (texture) in diffuse color map  make sure the Coordinates value is default (no rotation or tiles parameters).

Mapping

All textures used on the model must be in JPG format or “PNG for transparency textures assigned only to diffuse color”, and all texture names must begin with your company name in one word and then underscore followed by texture name.  All the sides on the images / textures need to be in * 2 dimensions like 128, 256, 512, or a maximum 1024 pixels and have 72 pixels / inch in resolution).

File name

The max file shall have a maximum of only 22 English letters (A to Z and _ 0 to 9), a unique name and related to the product. Note that the file name will be the object name in ECDESIGN.

Lights

Use only standard lightning.

Rendering

Use "default scanline renderer" in the "Render setup" in 3Dstudiomax.

Units

Use meter.

Cameras

 In the scene you must use only one camera with no extra lighting (just Default lighting).

Meshes

Ecdesign has its own material properties. And is using the diffuse color from the Max material. To have the correct ECD material, on the models parts (elements) use the below ECDMaterial Name list:
_ECDRoughMetal_01  or  _ECDRoughMetal_.....
_ECDCoating_black   or   _ECDCoating_grey  or  ECDCoating_...             
_ECDCarPaint_01
_ECDMetalPlate_01
_ECDChrome_01
_ECDPlastic_01
_ECDRoughPlastic_01
_ECDRubber_01
_ECDLeather_01
_ECDCloth_01
_ECDBrushedMetal_01
_ECDPolishedMetal_01
_ECDAluminium_01
_ECDWood_01
_ECDGlass_01
_ECDFrostedGlass_01
_ECDGlassNoReflection_01
 
Note: we can use only above names.

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3. Sample file information

Here you can download a zip folder including a sample .max file  and texture folder showing how the 3D file should be setup.

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4. Cost information

The cost per model will be approximately 60 EUR per model if you meet the specified requirements. There is also a 1500 EUR entry fee for new manufacturers to be part of Ecdesign. This is to set you up in our Ecdesign database, adding you to our universal version, adding color options. In the entry fee we include one free Ecdesign license during year one.

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5. Other file types

We can also accept files in these formats (STEP-214, OBJ , collada, or Wrml). These formats require more time to process/ adapt and will cost extra. If sending these type of model, then we must have them with all meshes visible, everything else must be removed.
Solid Works files must be in the format STEP-214. Solid Works models can be converted from a SolidWorks Assembly to a SolidWorks Part with only external surfaces, then it can beexported to a STEP 214 file.There is also a feature in SolidWorks called defeature. This feature makes it possible to remove internal holes, which will which decrease the polygon count further.