NOTE ADDED: The process described below is now obsolete. A better method will be to use the MultiMarkers tools.
Hi
This tutorial describes the method of combining several 3D objects into one PolyMesh3D object by using the IMPORT function. Each one of the objects will be assigned a different color as well as different material. In this tutorial we use a simple sphere and ring objects, but the same method would work with any 3D objects.
The object consists of one Sphere3D and three Ring3D objects. Before we can import objects into a PolyMesh3D tool, we need to have these objects created.
Creating a DXF Sphere: Select the Sphere3D tool and use the TOOL.INVENTORY.EXPORT function to export the object in DXF format. In order to save in DXF format, the TOOL.INVENTORY.DXF need to be pressed before exporting.
Creating a DXF Ring: Select the Ring3D tool and use the TOOL.INVENTORY.EXPORT function to export the object in DXF format. In order to save in DXF format, the TOOL.INVENTORY.DXF need to be pressed before exporting
[img]http://www.pixolator.com/images01/PolyMeshTutImage01.gif[/img]
Step 01:The PolyMesh3D tool: Select the PolyMesh3D tool (Star shaped tool) and draw a star in the center of you canvas
[img]http://www.pixolator.com/images01/PolyMeshTutImage02.gif[/img]
Step 02: Enter edit mode by pressing the TRANSFORM.EDIT_OBJECT button (or by pressing the âtâ key in your keyboard).
Step 03: We start by importing the first ring⌠Press the TOOL.INVENTORY.IMPORT and import the previously exported ring (Ring3D). Youâll notice that the ring has a faceted look (not smooth). In order for the ring to be rendered as a smooth object, we need to activate the sub-division renderer by increasing the smoothness value assigned to the tool. To so, we increase the TOOL.MODIFIERS.Smooth value to 1.
Step 04: Select Red color and the âMetal 01â material. In order to apply both material and color to the object, we need to (while still in edit mode) to activate the MRGB mode. By default, only RGB edit mode is selected which would allow us to apply color without applying material information, but in this case, we are interested in applying both color and material, therefore we need to press the MRGB option. Now we can press the COLOR:FILL_OBJECT which will apply the currently selected color and material to the object.
Step 05: As we continue to import objects, we want to mask the current object completely in order to be able to manipulate the next object to be imported without modifying the existing object. To do so, we apply TOOL.MODIFIERS.SELECTION.MaskAll. Note: After MaskAll has been applied youâll notice that the color of the object has been decreased in intensity, this is an indication that the object is currently masked.
Step 06: Before we can import the 2nd ring, we need to specify that we want the imported ring to be added to the existing ring instead of replacing it. To do so, we press the TOOL.INVENTORY.ADD button. Now we can import another ring object⌠Press the TOOL.INVENTORY.IMPORT and import the previously exported ring (Ring3D). Youâll notice that object now has some red areas and some silver areas. This is because both rings occupy the same position in 3D space. In the next step we will rotate the newly imported ring.
Step 07: Due to the fact that we have applied masking to the object before importing the 2nd ring, any deformation that we now apply to the object will only be applied to the newly-imported unmasked ring without impacting the masked ring. To rotate the ring, we apply TOOL.MODIFIERS.DEFORMATION.RotX=90 which will rotate the ring 90 degrees around the X-Axis.
Step 08: Select yellow/orange color and the âtextured Metalâ material. Press COLOR:FILL_OBJECT to apply color and material to the ring. Note: The new color/material was only applied to the unmasked ring.
Step 09: Before importing the 3rd ring, we again need to mask the object by applying TOOL.MODIFIERS.SELECTION.MaskAll. We can now import the 3rd by
Pressing the TOOL.INVENTORY.IMPORT and import the previously exported ring (Ring3D). This ring will be rotated around the Y-Axis by applying TOOL.MODIFIERS.DEFORMATION.RotY=90.
Step 10: Select medium-gray color and the âBumpyMetalâ material. Press COLOR:FILL OBJECT to apply color and material to the ring.
Step 11: Prior to importing the sphere object, we again need to mask the object by applying TOOL.MODIFIERS.SELECTION.MaskAll. We can now import the sphere by Pressing the TOOL.INVENTORY.IMPORT and import the previously exported sphere (Sphere3D).
Step 12: By default, all 3D objects have the same (one unit) size, which is the reason that the imported sphere hides the rings. In order to be able to see the ring we need to reduce the size of the sphere. To do so, we apply TOOL.MODIFIERS.DEFORMATION.SizeXYZ =-10
[img]http://www.pixolator.com/images01/PolyMeshTutImage14.gif[/img]
Step 13: Select orange color and the âJellyBeanâ material. Press COLOR.FILL OBJECT to apply color and material to the sphere.
Step 14: Final step would be to unmask the object by pressing TOOL.MODIFIERS.SELECTION.Clear.
The new object can now be used as is, it can be edited, it be can saved for later use, or simply discarded
Note: While importing multiple objects you may find that parts of the imported object may become invisible. If you encounter this, then simply activating the âDoubleâ option in the TOOL:MODIFIERS submenu will make all polygons visible.
Till next timeâŚ
-Pixolator