Using Complex Rigid Parts (Prior to O19_0)

The following process describes how to create complex and technical rigid parts so they can be used in the PDS. The process involves steps in your CAD software, PDS as well as in Rhino.

To help explain the steps involved, we have used a rigid part for a bag as the example in the process below; however these steps can be applied to any rigid part.

Important: You must use Rhino to create and finalize complex rigid parts.

To use complex rigid parts:

  1. In Maya, your handle should be facing Z+ on the X orientation and your model must have reasonable UVs as follows:

  1. Your model can be separated by material so you can assign shaders later on in the PDS:

  1. Using a Nurbs surface, create a "Collider".

  1. The collider must cover the side which is interacting with the bag.

  2. It must be as close as it can to the actual handle.

  3. The normals of the Nurbs surface must be directed towards the bag.

  1. Export to Rhino.

  • Export all as an FBX file in Autodesk Media setup and name the folder, "for Rhino"

  • Export only the polygons to a separate FBX file and name the folder "for PDS".

  1. Open the PDS file and create LS (Leading Stitch) curves and then export to Rhino in DXF format as follows:

  1. In Rhino, import the FBX file and the leading stitch as well (the file was exported from the PDS as a DXF file).

Note: Make sure you are working in CM.

  1. Align the LS curves with the model so they sit on the outer face of the nurbs surface.

  2. Create separate layers for each type of element and make sure they have unique layer names: LS_Name, Collider_Name, Polygons

  1. Make sure you are working in CM

  1. Export the file back into the PDS: Select the curves and colliders and export as an STP file.

  2. Import all the elements into the PDS and create compliant handles with LS curves.

  1. Import the FBX file named "for PDS" and make sure the Collide with Cloth checkbox is turned off:

The model with polygons is imported as follows:

  1. Import the STP file and make sure the Merge with Scene and Collide with Cloth checkboxes are selected:

The leading stitches with the model are imported as follows:

  1. Save your file as an MOD file and add the file to your buttons folder.