Topology question

[Anonymous]

What is the best way to get a smoother surface on the screw generated via helix,extrude,shell

[Anonymous]

Helix->Sweep-modifier.Use the build in section 'Bar'.Turn off 'Banking'

[Anonymous]

thanks @Anonymous

I makes a much better ribbon! I need to understand how to control the ID OD however. The width seems to control both which may not work because I have a certain ID OD I work with. in addition pitch distance between flights

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Within sweep there is sweep parameter->Pivot alignment.

Use the Align pivot button and select the inner pivot alignment like in the image.

So then basically the helix radii control the inner radius while the outer radius is controlled by the width parameter of the bar-section.

Does this make sense?

[Anonymous]

ahh got ya!

Thanks this is great!

[Anonymous]

I am back on this issue. I am trying to create a smooth ribbon style flight. I used the sweep method as earlier suggested. Then I used proboolean to subtract the core as needed. As you can see the topology is bad. Anyone have any suggestions how to get a smooth result.

H

Notice that Inventor don't seem to have a problem making a somewhat smooth result.

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @Anonymous,

This can be a tricky task without seeing the edges on the model.  Could you post the model or PM me a link to it, put it in the folder, or something along those lines?  I'd need to get a better peek at it and I think a video would be the best way to show you what I might do.  Thanks!

My first thought to fix it is to make sure it's all quads, assign different smoothing groups to the inside, outside, and shell and then try a turbosmooth with 'smoothing groups' checked.  You might need to cut across those extrusions, but booleans may make it very difficult to do here.  Might be better off extruding those new stubs on the inside, or rebuilding on some level.  

Best Regards,

[Anonymous]

Here ya go Alfred. thank you for looking at this. Maybe there is just no way without tons of polys

[Alfred.DeFlaminis · Accepted solution]

Hello @Anonymous,

I looked at what you have and I think you should use the part you already have.  It needs a bit of cleanup and I went over the major parts in this movie below.  It's not an impossible task in Max but it's better suited for a NURBS tool like Fusion or Inventor.  Please check out the video below and let me know your thoughts or questions, and thanks!

Best Regards,

[Anonymous]

Wow good show Alfred! Pre-cutting the edge makes all the difference in the world! 

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Agreed @Anonymous, and the flow connect is a dreamy tool, I love that thing!  You had already figured out all the hard parts of the process here, just a little tip here and there and you're off the races!  Thanks for your patience on the delay for this, had some flu on Friday and had to take the day off.  Thanks again bud!

Best Regards,

[Anonymous]

Thanks Alfred!