Creating a cylindrical object from splines

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I am creating an object that is to become a "shelled wall" inside a complex set of existing objects. The reason for this is so when it is 3D printed it all comes out as one shape. The shape is the lower torso of a person from below chest to waist area. 

I've drawn vertices on the surface of the existing shape. My idea was to attach them all and use cross section to end up with a "cylinder" shape to match the existing object(s). The pic show what I ended up with. I don't know how to close it. My intention is to add a few vertices where necessary to push and areas into final form fitting shape. I will then shell this object once I'm happy with it. Can anyone guide me? I'm not sure I picked the best solution...

[Anonymous]

You need to add the surface modifier that will close with a surface each 4 or 3 verts spline enclosure

[hagen.deloss]

Hello @Anonymous

Thanks for posting on the 3DS Max forums! To clarify, you create this shape using the spline tools? What modifiers do you have applied to this surface?

If its created using splines, I would us the connect tool to close the two points off. 

You can also convert it to an editable poly, and us the bridge tool to close the shape.

Let me know if I'm unclear on the tools you are using so I can help you out best! 

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

Hello Hagen,

I drew the the lines with the line tool, then used cross section modifier. Here are the issue; I can't convert to a poly as my object completely disappears. I don't think the connect option works in this situation either.

Thank you

[Anonymous]

You need to add the surface modifier that will close with a surface each 4 or 3 verts spline enclosure

[Anonymous]

Would I do this before or after applying the cross section modifier? Surface modifier does not appear to be available either way. Have I done something wrong?

[hagen.deloss]

@Anonymous

Okay! in that case it looks like @Anonymous is correct in that applying a "surface" modifier to your stack is a great option! once you add that to your editable spline, you can convert it to a polygon>select the edges you want to connect>bridge

If this does not have the desired affect, feel free to keep posting on this thread, always happy to help. If any of the previous posts did help, please select the Accept as Solution button so the rest of the community can benefit from the knowledge.

[Anonymous]

Ok, I've selected three of the lines, select surface modifier and they disappear. 

---

@hagen.deloss wrote:

@Anonymous

Okay! in that case it looks like @Anonymous is correct in that applying a "surface" modifier to your stack is a great option! once you add that to your editable spline, you can convert it to a polygon>select the edges you want to connect>bridge

If this does not have the desired affect, feel free to keep posting on this thread, always happy to help. If any of the previous posts did help, please select the Accept as Solution button so the rest of the community can benefit from the knowledge.

---

[hagen.deloss · Accepted solution]

@Anonymous

Aha! I'm guessing it's because the shape isn't a closed spline shape, all the vertex points should be fused together as a closed shape before the surface modifier can be applied.

Even though this video is from 2012, all the features described within are still relevant, hopefully a combination of the workflow within this video and making sure all overlapping vertices are fused together should do the trick.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.