Snuffle mat modeling

[sandra_hyzyk]

How can you model an object like a sniffing mat in the fastest way? I have no idea how to do it.

[dmitriy.shpilevoy]

If you don't mind a lot of intersecting geometry then you can use Array modifier. Make a model with few variations of those pieces as elements and check "array by element".

If it requires closeup shots then you would probably need some sort of cloth simulation.

[RobH2]

Ouch, that's a tough one. I'll play around with it and see what I can come up with, no promises...lol...  

You might start with Max Cloth. Make a bunch of the little pieces and stand them up close together. Then put an elastic cinch around the bunch and run it. It might just work. 

But, if I were you, I'd look into buying TyFlow and learning it. It can do all kinds of fancy things and I think this is right up its alley. 

[RobH2]

Here's some playing around with Max Cloth. You didn't mention what version of Max you use but I attached a Max 2024 file you can look at. I attached a video of it too. 

[sandra_hyzyk]

Hey, thank you very much for your answer. I have a question about creating elements. I drew a line, then I used a shell modifier, I added polygons with a subdivide modifier. I convert the object to editable poly. I add a modifier cloth. In object properties, I add settings according to your video and add a band to the group. I turn on local simulation (muted) and scales the band, but as a result it gets to (pictured). You know what I can do wrong?

[RobH2]

It's hard to tell from one photo with no explanation. The purple ones on the left might work better if the subdivision was more uniform, meaning, all the faces about the same size. Next, make sure the band that you animated to shrink is set as a 'Collision' object in the Cloth Parameters.