new materials on imported 3d objects

I've made a new material, and I've imported a 3d symbol.

The material does not apply to the objects, but it does apply to any "native" chief objects.

I got this to work exactly one time, but not since then, so I must be missing something.

I have tried importing both .3ds and .dwg files, and tried them in existing as well as new empty plans...same result.

Anyone have any ideas what I'm missing?....

I apply custom materials to custom symbols all the time.

Which format was the symbol you imported in? Did you check "Double Sided" for the faces on import? (You can also change this after the fact by using Open Symbol).

It may be that your faces are reversed and that the material is being applied to the "inside" of the object where you can't see it. I have run into this occasionally.

You can reverse these faces in Sketchup and, I believe, Accutrans.

thanks...i tried double sided but no luck...there are several objects in the symbol...i will try reversing in 3ds max and re-export

thanks again,
Mike

Ok, finally got it....

You have to export from AutoCAD as a .dwg, then import as a 3d symbol, then open the symbol, check the double sided (not always required but won't hurt) box on the 3d tab, then apply the materials.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!