How to imort models to Keyshot from GrabCad the best way?

[Esben Oxholm]

Hi Keyshooters.

When I download models from GrabCad and import them to Keyshot, I often have problem with rotating, moving and resizing the models. It takes very long time before keyshot registrers any actions and often it freezes and crashes.

I would like some general advice on the best way to import models.
What filetypes is the easiest to work with and how should the import settings be set?

Hope you can help me

Best regards
Esben Oxholm

[TpwUK]

Hi Esben, there's too many variables involved with that question, but here are some of my own personal opinions ...

If you want to have control over every piece of the model for rendering then "keep individual objects" - Don't rely on the modellers to properly organise their models for rendering!
The easiest and most accurate imports are Solid Works, Autodesk Inventor, ProE and Catia - But all the importers are good.
STEP files are more reliable than IGES

• Watch your Tessellation settings 0.2 (default) is ok for most imports, the higher the number the denser the mesh will be that KS generate, setting this too high will choke even reasonably specked computers I have 32GB RAM here and a 3.4Ghz quad core and I can still make it behave like an old 286 at times.
  Don't start of big and expect to get bigger=better results, import several times and replace geometry several times with different Tessellation settings, go for the one that gives good looking smooth surfaces - once achieved don't push for more.
  Watch the number of Ray Bounces, you will be surprised how few it takes to get good results, DOF needs lots as do high transparency and reflections scenes, most "solids" will be happy with 4 to 24 bounces

Remember a speed limit is just that, a limit not a target - what i am trying to say here is that just because you have a high end pro tool, don't mean it's going to perform any worse at lower settings - keep it poised for when it needs to deliver, you would't push a Ferrari all day every  day now would you ?!

Martin