Smooth conform - a bit of a newbie.

[Anonymous]

Hello.

I am fairly new to 3DS Max and I have modified a model of a mask  I like and created some detail I want to add to it. I created the detail in a DXF format, imported it, created a mesh from it and gave it some dimension in regards to thickness. My issue is that when I try to conform it to the mask shape it flattens and looks choppy.

I have read the conform tutorials and I even tried the surface divide modifier to allow more of a mesh for smooth conforming but with this method the shape I am trying to conform leaves faces that dont belong in the place they end up. It is like it is not conforming some parts of the shape to the mask and leaves them behind causing stretched out looking artifacts.

To make sure I was using conform properly I even created a new file with a sphere and a plane and was able to get good results.

Ultimately I am trying to recreate the second attachment so I can 3d print it. I had originally thought I would us Illustrator to draw vectors for the mask but I am not good at visualizing what an unwrapped mask should look like.

Can someone please help explain how to do a conform with complex meshes or offer advice on a better way to create this?

[rendermaster · Accepted solution]

4 Workflows I can suggest

1 - Shapemerge - transform back your facemask to editable spline and do the shapemerge

2.  Compound Object - CONFORM

3. MCG - Mesh Conform  

LINK: http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/mcg/va-mesh-conform#attachments

4. Script - CONFORM TO SURFACE

LINK: http://www.scriptspot.com/blog/aline3d/conform-script

[Anonymous]

Thank you SO much. That is an excellent post.

I am starting to think my mesh is the issue. Due to the odd shape I am getting an erratic mesh that is divided really weird. I will post a pic of it when I get back to that computer if you don't mind looking at it.

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EDIT: Oh... I see. I can't wait to try this. 

Thank you again!

Jen

[Anonymous]

I must be doing something wrong or I am just very bad at Max. I have tried all the methods and nothing is working as expected. In a last ditch effort here I am attaching the file. If you have time can you please check if there is something wrong with the way I modeled everything?

Thank you again for your workflow examples.

[Anonymous]

Actually here is a better file - cleaned it up. Thanks in advance.

Jen

[Anonymous]

So your advice worked! Thank you.

I did the Shape Merge method - the only PITA is having to individually select each poly holding control and then extruding to the desired amount. Very very slow but works so I am happy. I assume there has to be an easier way though. None of the other methods worked in Max 2017.

I will attach the Max file I finally used (in another reply) and would like to see of anyone has a quicker way or if I am doing the other methods wrong.

Thanks again 🙂

Jen