Math Based Abstract Modeling In 3dsmax

[Anonymous]

Hi, everyone.  I'd like to share some of my tutorials, which utilize various tools in 3dsmax to create complex, math-based abstracts and sculptures using only standard poly modeling tools, and modifiers.  No plugins are required; only the Graphite tools and modifiers available in 3dsmax 2011 or higher.

Here's some recent examples...

Cubic Gyroid Abstract:

Nested Dodecahedron:

Voronoi Style Bracelet:

Floral Style Star Ball:

Octo-Star Math Sculpture:

These are just a few of the free modeling tutorials at my YouTube Channel.  Most of these models can be used for 3D printing, and/or architectural or interior design purposes.  No mathematical or algebraic knowledge is needed, just a basic to intermediate knowledge of 3dsmax, and some experience with modifiers and editable polygon objects.  At the very least, these short tutorials may be useful for practicing and experimenting with new and unique modeling strategies.

Thanks for watching, and hope you find some of them useful!

[Anonymous]

Hi, thank you very much for sharing this.

I really like experimenting to create that kind of objects, very funny and your tutorials are pretty good.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Eric.  I appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

A new tutorial has been added, which deals with scene scale, using array to create triply periodic surface, removing edges while keeping vertices to achieve specific visual effects, and a couple other techniques not covered in previous videos.

[Anonymous]

In this tutorial, we will explore some basic techniques to model a custom Sphericon pendant for 3d printing.  You will need 3dsmax 2010 or higher to follow along.  No additional plugins or addons required.  The techniques used here make use of general polygonal modeling tools, and can be translated to almost any capable polygonal modeling package.  The result is ideal for 3d printing, and can also be used as an interesting scene prop, or jewelry item, in a 3d render.

[Anonymous]

Trefoil Star Pendant:

Here are some first-time photos of the Trefoil Star Pendant, as it appeared after it arrived in the mail (thanks to Lisa L. for taking the shots on her phone), printed by Shapeways in White Flexible Plastic:

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to share a couple more user-submitted photos of these models, as printed by Shapeways.  3dsmax is all too often overlooked for 3d printing, as Autodesk has a new line of inexpensive tools for creating models for printing.  However, the powerful modeling tools in 3dsmax are perfectly suited to modeling almost anything for 3d printing too, with even higher levels of control at the poly level.  Thanks to Michael Gibson for the photos.

[Anonymous]

Latest tutorial for 3dsmax 2010 and higher:

This object is also available as a real world 3d printed object on my Shapeways store.  Hope you enjoy, and find it useful in some way.

[Anonymous]

In this quick tutorial, we model what is known as a Sacred Merkaba for 3d printing or digital asset design.  Symbolic of ancient spirituality and mysticism, this shape has been part of religious iconography for thousands of years.  Geometers and mathematicians recognize it as a Stellated Octahedron, or Star Tetrahedron. 

[Anonymous]

In this exercise, we model a topological knot object for 3d printing in 3dsmax. Using simple subdivision polygon modeling techniques and standard tools, we explore a high genus model with curved handles very much like the topologic mesh concepts created in Topmod. We will model using real world scale, for export later to a format which can be uploaded and printed at a service like Shapeways, or just about any 3d printer.

3d Tutorial | Topmod Style Knot Modeling | 3dsMax 

[Anonymous]

Hi, everyone.  In this latest tutorial for 3dsmax, I'll demonstrate how to create an abstract, twisted starball which could be later exported as .STL file for 3d printing at #Shapeways, or some other SLS 3d printing service. We will use only standard polygonal modeling tools available in all versions of 3dsmax 2010 or higher. No plugins or addons required.

Hope you find it interesting or useful.  Thanks.