3DS Max: Materials from CAD to AR

Importing the CAD model into 3ds Max

To get started, open 3ds Max and go to File 1 > Import 2 to select your CAD file.

Multiple formats are supported: in this case, we're working with a .STP file 3, but you can also import other formats depending on your needs.

Once the file is selected, the Import Settings panel will open, where you can configure some essential options:

Convert the model to Mesh 1 so you can work directly on the polygonal geometry.

Optimize the polygon count 2, keeping it under 100,000 to ensure good AR visualization performance.

Set the Z-axis as the vertical axis (Z Up) 3 to avoid orientation issues in the AR scene.

Checking mesh quality

After the import is complete, activate the Edge Faces mode by going to Default Shading 1 > Edged Faces 2 to check the geometry subdivision and detail level.

This step allows you to identify any anomalies in the mesh.

For more control, enable scene statistics display via + 1 > Configure Viewports 2 > Statistics 3, and activate Show Statistics in Active View 4 and Total + Selection 5

This way you can check both the total polygons in the scene and those related to the selected object.

If you didn't check Convert to Mesh 1 during import, you can manually convert the object by right-clicking on it and choosing Convert To 2 > Editable Mesh 3.

Managing groups and layers

If your model is organized by groups or layers, decide whether to keep this structure or simplify it.

You can explode groups using Group 1 > Ungroup or Open 2, especially if you want to apply specific changes, export only certain parts or assign different materials to individual components.

Positioning and centering the model

Before exporting, check the model's position relative to the coordinate origin.

Align the base of the object to the XY plane and ensure it's close to (0,0,0).

This will help you avoid centering issues during AR visualization.

Use the Move 1 and Rotate 2 tools to adjust position and orientation. For better control, use the different view options at the bottom of 3ds Max 3.

Setting up materials for Augmented Reality

Now move on to materials. Click the 1 icon to open the editor.

In 3ds Max, you can use either the Compact Material Editor or the Slate Material Editor. For simplicity, we choose the Compact Material Editor from the Modes menu 2 > Compact Material Editor 3.

To add a texture, click on the corresponding slot (for example Base Color, Roughness 1 or Metalness), select Bitmap 2, and press Ok 3.

Then, load the desired image from your computer 1 and open it 2.

We remind you that My AR Studio supports PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials. This means you can work on the Base Color, Metalness, and Roughness parameters to achieve a physically realistic appearance in the AR scene.

Avoid using procedural materials or advanced shaders (such as those from Arnold or V-Ray), as they might not export correctly to the GLB format. Textures should always be in raster format (JPG or PNG) and properly mapped onto the object.

If you want to scale the texture without changing UVs, use the Map Scaler modifier.

Go to Modify 1 > Map Scaler 2.

Exporting the model in GLB format

At this point, you are ready for export.

Select your object(s) and go to File 1 > Export 2 > Export Selected 3. Choose GL Transmission Format (.GLB) 4.

In the export panel, make sure to enable the Export glTF binary (.glb) 1 option.

If you want, you can also enable Export materials 2 (baked) to get materials already "baked" into the texture. However, in most cases, we recommend keeping the original PBR materials for optimal rendering in My AR Studio.

Uploading to My AR Studio

Select your GLB file 2, open it, and wait for the upload.

Once imported, your model will appear in the AR scene.

Customizing and optimizing inside My AR Studio

From the Materials tab 1, you can check the applied materials, adjust their parameters, or replace the textures with others already available in your library.

In the Transform Tab 2, check the real-world size. Click the icon 3 to display dimensions next to the object.

QR Code generation and publishing

At this point, go to the Polaroid tab 1, generate the preview , generate the poster 2, and save 3.

Once saved, you can choose to:

Share the direct link 1
Embed the 3D viewer into a website 2
View the model in AR simply by scanning the QR code with a smartphone 3.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can turn any CAD model into an interactive Augmented Reality experience ready to share, thanks to My AR Studio tools.

For more info on materials or optimization best practices, check out the official documentation.