Q: How do I save my Mechanical Desktop (MDT) model so it can be imported into Photopia?

A: The parametric solids can quickly be converted into Polyline Mesh surfaces (which Photopia accepts) by following these steps:

1. Open your assembly model and put each part onto a unique layer. This will facilitate assigning materials in Photopia since materials are assigned to each layer in the model.
2. Set the mesh resolution with the FACETRES system variable. The default value of 0.5 is very low and results in a course polygon mesh approximating the shape of your model. We recommend you set the value to a higher level to create a more accurate part shape. If you are using Photopia 1.5, then a value between 5 and 8 is recommended. If you are using Photopia 2.0, then use the maximum setting of 10.
3. Export the solids to a 3D Studio files using the 3DSOUT command or by selecting File / Export from main menu and setting 3D Studio as the file type. Keep the default settings on the 3D Studio File Export Options screen.
4. Import the 3D Studio file into a new MDT drawing using the 3DSIN command. Click the Add All button in the Available Objects section of the Import 3D Studio File Options screen and keep the rest of the settings at their default values.
5. Save the MDT drawing to a DWG file by selecting DWG as the file type in the File / SaveAs dialog. The DWG file can be imported into Photopia.