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.

We use the software 3D StudioMax to build or adapt models to EcDesign. 3D StudioMax is software for 3D modeling.
Primarily we want to receive the files (3dsMax scene file) in .max format. The models must also meet our requirements listed below.
Please check the bottom of this page for information about Step file format.

Important information - There is a 1500 EUR one time entry fee for new manufacturers to be part of Ecdesign. This is to set up a new manufacturer in our Ecdesign database, add color options and adding the manufacturer to the universal version. One free Ecdesign license during the first year is included in the entry fee. The cost per model is 60 EUR if the model meets the below file requirements.

1. Technical requirement for (.max) file format:

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

  • Units: Use meter (in the System Units Setup change to Meters and in the Display Unit Scale klick on Generic Units).

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

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

  • Cameras: In the scene you can use one camera but no extra lighting (just Default lighting).

  • Meshes: All model element names must be in English letters only ( A to Z and _  and 0 to 9 ).  Be sure that the Normal direction are pointing outwards.

  • Material: Assign color material to all parts of the 3D model. All material used in the scene/model must appear in the Material Editor. Use Only standard materials (no Multi/Sub- Object material or other material like 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  be sure that the Coordinates value is default (no rotation or tiles parameters). Ecdesign has its own material, ECD Material. And is using the diffuse color from the Max material. To have the correct ECD material, use the ECDMaterial Name in the list below.
  • The Ecdesign Material name must be entered in the Max Material name textbox, in the Material Editor (Compact) for every Material that is used on the model.
  • You can Use Number _01- and up, if you need to use the same ECDMaterial Name. If you don’t find the correct Material for you parts (elements) use _ECDRoughPlastic.

  • 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 only English letters and ( A to Z and _  and 0 to 9. 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)

2. ECDMaterial Name list

  • _ECDRoughMetal_01  or  _ECDRoughMetal_.....
  • _ECDCoating_01  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 only use above material names.
  • File Name: All file names, images, materials and/or mesh names must be in English letters (A to Z and _  and 0 to 9) only.
  • Lights: Use only standard lightning.
We can receive files from Solid works in “Step 214” format, but you should export it in this way: The cost to add a STEP file will be higher compared to adding a 3DS Max file. Models will be converted from a SolidWorks Assembly to a SolidWorks Part with only external surfaces, then export it as a STEP 214 file. 
There is also a feature in SolidWorks called defeature. Use this feature to remove internal holes as it will decrease the poly count further.