How to create a hole in object with Shapemerge command?

[jellowone]

I got Shapemerge to project onto the mesh's surface, but how do one set it to result in a hole in the mesh? 

Thanks ahead for any help!

[leeminardi]

You can convert the result ShapeMerge to an Editable Poly and then delete the Polygon that forms the hole in the Subobject.

[jellowone]

Yes, agree you can do this, but all that does is make a hole in one side of the object, but what I am seeking is a hole with walls that goes all the way through the object?

[leeminardi]

"...I am seeking is a hole with walls that goes all the way through the object..."

Then do not use ShapeMerge.  Extrude the shape and use Boolean subtract.

[jellowone]

Boolean subtract is of course the easy answer, but frankly it has worked poorly for me and the reason why I am looking for a better solution.

[leeminardi]

The more information you provide about what you've tried and what you are trying to do and even provide a sample file the better the answer you will get. You might consider this in the future.

[jellowone]

Understood, but I am not in any particular problem with a model right now, mostly just looking for an alternate method to produce a Boolean-like effect.

[jellowone]

In terms of an example, here is an objected I created with the line tool, converted over to an editable poly, extruded, and then capped (I also put a bent in it...).  Now I create a cyclinder and try to compound object/Boolean/subtraction (A-B), try to do this and you get the hole but it has very ragged edges.

[leeminardi · Accepted solution]

Increasing the number of sides for the cylinder seems to provide a pretty smooth result.  Is this not good enough?

[jellowone]

Awesome!  Will give it a try...

[jellowone]

OK, it clearly worked for you, but for some reason not for me.  I increase number of sides of the cyclinder from 18-42 (see attached file) and did the Boolean again and the file is attached as is a screen dump of the results - no hole but a few lines in the object.

[leeminardi]

I am using Max 2019 and both ProBoolean and Boolean worked successfully.

[jellowone]

Sorry but I am using 2013 Max, but this seems like a basic function that should not have that big of a defect?

So unfortunately my problem is not solved but I thank you for your answers and help.  Is there a way to take the "solved" away?  I put "solved" prematurely...

[jellowone · Accepted solution]

OK, I remember reading your post about using both boolean and proboolean so I went back and tried proboolean which I have not used before, well that worked perfectly so I am gold.

Thanks again!