topic Re: How to make pathdeform without distorting the mesh? in 3ds Max Modeling Forum

How to make pathdeform without distorting the mesh?

Waseem_Dabbas — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 10:16:03 GMT

I was trying to deform an object on a path using Pathdeform, but it distorts the mesh, is there any way I can keep the mesh as it is without distortion?

Re: How to make pathdeform without distorting the mesh?

CAMedeck — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 16:02:49 GMT

Are you animating this, or will it be static?

If static, try out the Spacing Tool.

Animated, you may need to add some point helpers animated on a spline, link your object to one and use a look-at controller to point to the next point. I can go into more detail if you need.

Re: How to make pathdeform without distorting the mesh?

Anonymous — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 16:47:04 GMT

The new Path Deform in 2021.3 has an option to Preserve Form per Element. Maybe an alternative?

Re: How to make pathdeform without distorting the mesh?

Waseem_Dabbas — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 00:07:01 GMT

I didn't update to 2021.3 yet, but I will tell you when I will, thank you very much.

Re: How to make pathdeform without distorting the mesh?

Waseem_Dabbas — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 00:11:42 GMT

I will make a static render for now, but it may will be animating in the future.

The spacing tool works fine with me, except for some objects that rotate themselves I don't know why

I can solve it manually but it will be difficult if there are hundreds.

The other method that you told me about was not so clear to me, could you tell me more detail or send me a link that talks about it will be very helpful.

Thank you very much

Re: How to make pathdeform without distorting the mesh?

CAMedeck — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 18:24:48 GMT

I made a few attempts at a test scene with a couple different methods, but they all tend to fail as the helix gets too tight in the center. I would recommend searching for a tutorial on making an animated chain in 3ds Max. There are several out there with different approaches and limitations, and you'd have to figure out which would work best for what you have in mind.

The method I initially had in mind involved animating your first link (L1) with a Path Constraint. Then create a clone (L2) and move it back on link length. Apply a LookAt Constraint to L1 and have it look at L2. You'll need to have your pivot point at the end of the link nearest the end of your path. So the front of L1 will be constrained to the path and the back of L1 should be aligned to the pivot of L2 right behind. Repeat this process as necessary. But like I said, the spacing doesn't hold up as the helix gets very tight. I feel there's likely a better method for you.

Re: How to make pathdeform without distorting the mesh?

Waseem_Dabbas — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 20:16:47 GMT

I was trying your method, and it works pretty well, I'm going to avoid going into the center of the helix at some point, it's not a problem, except for 1 thing, the object changes its direction at some points, I couldn't figure out the reason..

may this video show the problem?

Re: How to make pathdeform without distorting the mesh?

CAMedeck — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 21:47:36 GMT

I believe that rotation is from the Look-at controller. I'm no expert on it, but I believe there is a setting in there that can be adjusted to prevent that.