#Help me Sculpt corkscrew
19 messages in this thread
I'm having a problem in A:M Sculpture. I am attempting to create a corkscrew-
like segment (or for a more 'character'-like metaphor – a pig's tail).
I am attempting to use the Extrude along a spline feature by creating a control
spline that creates the corkscrew path, and then use a circular 4 point sline
as a cross section. The extrusion creates the corkscrew, but a certain control
points along the control spline the splines created to connect the cross
sections get twisted, ie rotated about the control spline, so that the segment
narrows to a point and then expands back out to the full cross sectional radius
at the next control spline control point.
How can I control this so that the radius of the segment is constant
throughout?
BTW, I've tried a cross sectional spline of 8 control points and that didn't
seem to help.
Of course, TIA for any and all help!
Chris L. Rudolphi
I don't think I would use Extrude along spline to do this… you will get
better result if you model a cylinder and deform it into a corkscrew by
grouping points and twisting…
Steve, Hash Inc.
Chris,
I have tried a couple of different times to create the handrail of a
spiral staircase. I don't think it is possible at this point with AM's modeler.
Awhile back, I made a list of things that I would like to see added to AM and a
control over the degree of sweep while lathing was one requst which was
improved upon by another user adding that a loft command to lathing would allow
us create things like corksrews, or threads. If you have access to a CAD app,
you might try creating it there and then exporting a .dxf, converting it using
HSH2SEG utility, and then importing it into AM. For a pig's tail though, I
would think that there would way too many control points to make this worth the
effort.
Michael S. Flynn
Michael,
PMFJI, I notice you mentioned HSH3SEG, Have you gotten that to work? What's
the trick…please?
Thanks,
Jim Jonah
>>>PMFJI, I notice you mentioned HSH3SEG, Have you gotten that to work? What's
the trick…please?
Sounds as you guys still have problems importing DXF files… <g> I had some
funny experience with this on the PC side. The update 2.06 was working OK with
DXFs from TrueSpace but the 2.07 doesn't! It still takes the DXFs from Corel
though! Right now Corel is my favorite starting point to get type and logos
into A:M… (TrueSpace is pretty good too if you run v.2.06)
Pawel
Pawel,
There is a $15 program called Font 3D that does an excellent job of
extruding and beveling True Type fonts. It is from Studio Pon. It gives you a
lot more flexibility than an import from Corel.
Michael S. Flynn
>>>There is a $15 program called Font 3D that does an excellent job of
extruding and beveling True Type fonts. It is from Studio Pon. It gives you a
lot more flexibility than an import from Corel.
What kind of files does it create? Where do I get it?
Pawel
Pawel,
The name is FontStudio 3D v1.32. It is available in the Graphic
Developer's Forum in the 3D Anaglyph library. It will save as .DXF. Then use
the DXF2SEG utility to convert it. This is a locked copy. You can use all of
the functions except SAVE. There is one .DXF file called BGM that is a .DXF of
the lower case letters bgm. You can convert and import it as a sample. This is
a really great program.
Michael S. Flynn
>>>>Then use the DXF2SEG utility to convert it.
Michael, if it creates DXF files than I don't really need it. I already have
TrueSpace and Imagine that can do that. Also, why do you need to convert the
DXF if A:M can import it directly since the release 2.06?
Pawel
Pawel,
I am under the impression that the import filter only works with 2D
.DXF's. With 2.07, I still have to use the DXF2SEG utility to import a 3D .DXF.
Is it supposed to import both?
Michael S. Flynn
>>>I am under the impression that the import filter only works with 2D
DXF's. With 2.07, I still have to use the DXF2SEG utility to import a 3D .DXF.
Is it supposed to import both?
Michael, The V.2.07 opens the 3D DXF files created in TrueSpace directly
(Beveled type ect — It's great since TrueSpace doesn't break the ractangular
surfaces into two polygons <extruded areas>). It has problems with Imagine's
DXF which are made of triangular surfaces though. In any case, that version
doesn't need the DXF2SEG.
Version 2.08 gives me trouble with TrueSpace generated files, so I keep both
Sculpture vesions on the disk…
Pawel
Pawel,
HSH2SEG, I thought that this converts the DXF into a .seg file, does it work
for you, or are you saying that your DXFs from corel import just fine?
Thanks,
Jim Jonah
>>>HSH2SEG, I thought that this converts the DXF into a .seg file, does it work
for you, or are you saying that your DXFs from corel import just fine?
Sculpture 2.07 opens both Corel (2D) and TrueSpace (2D & 3D) DXF files
directly, so there is no need for HSH2SEG.
Pawel
Jim,
I actually typed the wrong name, combining DXF2SEG and DXF2HSH into one
name. I have used both with no problem. Let me know which is giving you trouble
and I'll see if I have an answer.
Michael S. Flynn
Michael,
>>>I have tried a couple of different times to create the handrail of a spiral
staircase. I don't think it is possible at this point with AM's modeler.
Have you ever tried to use a macro recorder with the Sculpture? <G>
Using this combination it is possible to model some very intricate structures
including your staircase handrail… First you create simple "slice" shape in
your front view in position where the pivot will become the center of the
staircase. The rest of the process, due to its nature requires to run Macro
Recorder program that comes with the Windows. Record all the steps that you
want the Recorder.exe repeat:
1) If it is a simple spiral staircase, having your points selected start the
recording process — 2)press the extrude button, 3)type 45 in Y-Rotation box,
(for 8 slice full circle) 4)move the extruded part slightly up (along Y axis)
— 5)finsh recording.
Than to repeat the combination as many times as you want simply by calling your
shortcut key combination… It will simply spin upwards with the clicking sound
of your keybord <g>
Pawel
Pawel,
I hadn't thought of that. I'll give a try one of these days. Thanks!
Michael S. Flynn
Chris,
I read your message last night about the corkscrew and decided to give
it a try. After a few minutes I had created what I believe you are after. The
segment resembles a simplified pig's tail or coil spring.
If you are interested, I will send you via e-mail a ray-traced GIF of
the coil. And if you like what you see, I will send you the SEG file.
Happy Sculpturing,
Chris D.
Chris:
Thank you for your efforts. Yes, I would like to see what you came up with.
Pls Email me the SEG file and I'll take a look. A quick description of the
technique you used would also be appreciated!
Thanks to all for you tips on how to create a corkscrew.
Chris L. Rudolphi
Chris,
I have sent you a ZIP file containing the SEG file. If it is what you
had in mind let me know and I will explain how I did it.
Chris D.