SAT Import Dialog

Use the SAT format for bringing BREP (boundary representation) objects into 3ds Max while retaining their solid-geometry format. Such objects, which typically come from programs such as Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Inventor, are known as Body Objects. You can also convert native 3ds Max objects into Body Objects, and can apply modifiers such as Bend and Twist and manipulate them using Boolean and other operations. When you export a Body Object in SAT format, the BREP format is maintained.

Note: SAT files can be very large in size. If you have trouble importing an SAT file, set the display to a single wireframe viewport before importing and set Viewport Body Mesh Quality to Coarse. Also, to import SAT files larger than 100MB, it is highly recommended that you use the 64-bit version of 3ds Max.
Tip: If you plan to deform a Body Object with a modifier (see Modifiers and Body Objects), first set the Viewport Display Settings rollout Max Edge Len. % value to 2.0 or 3.0 and apply a Mesh Select modifier between the Body Object and the deforming modifier. This permits faster and more accurate viewport response while deforming. Be sure to disable or delete the Mesh Select before exporting as SAT.

Import Options group

Choose how the importer treats incoming objects:

  • Standard - No Welding This is the default option. Objects are imported separately, and are not be welded together. This option is usually the best for SAT files with solids.
  • Single Body - No Welding  Creates a single Body Object, but does not attempt to weld surfaces together.
  • Single Body - Weld Trimmed Surfaces Creates a single Body Object with surfaces welded together.  Use this option if your import file consists of one single entity (represented by multiple surfaces in the originating model) that you want to join together to eliminate seams or gaps.
  • Each Trimmed Surface in Separate Body Imported trimmed surfaces are created as separate Body Objects.  No welding is performed.

Viewport Body Mesh Quality group

The number of polygons used to represent the Body Objects in the viewports. The Coarse option uses relatively few polygons, while the other options create increasingly dense and precise meshes. The Fine options can take longer to import as a consequence.

3D Trimming Tolerance group

The permissible limit of variation in trimmed areas when creating and welding objects. The higher (tighter) the tolerance, the greater the accuracy of trimming.

This setting lets you adjust the import calculations to account for situations where the imported data is somewhat inaccurate. If there are errors, such as missing or poorly formed faces, after importing, try a different Tolerance setting to see if it helps the result.

Automatic Face Flipping
Automatically corrects surface normals that point inward. This feature attempts to unify the normals on an imported surface.
Convert SAT Y Axis to Z Axis
Converts the local coordinate system of models that are created in systems that use the Y axis as the up vector by rotating them so that Z is the up vector, as is the case in 3ds Max. This should be done for Inventor Files.
Select Additional SAT Files for Import
Allows you to import multiple files simultaneously using the current settings. The additional files should all reside in the same directory.

Use the file dialog that opens upon clicking the button to navigate to the directory, and then use the standard +click or +click method to select any number of files for import.

Parent topic: SAT Files