I learnt how to convert wireframe into a mesh from this tutorial.
Is there anyway to create a cylindrical piped framework instead of a framework that is having a rectangular cross section that this tutorial covers?
Hello @archz2 ,
You can always use the Dynamic Subdivision Micropoly feature to create a grid out of whatever type of connecting geometry that you fancy:
Your results doing this are going to be heavily dependent on the shape and quality of your topology. You may wish to retopologize (with ZRemesher or otherwise) your mesh with an emphasis on polygon shape and distribution. The more non-square the polygons in an area are, the more they will distort your links.
If you truly want the grid to be based on the edge loops and not on polygon shape, you can do this if you’re willing to build your grid by hand, step by step. This means you will want your mesh to be as low resolution as possible.
If you use the ZModeler Edge> Crease> Edge Loop, you can crease target edge loops and convert these to Curves with the Stroke> Curve> Curve Functions> Frame Mesh (creases). Once you have live curves on your mesh, you can apply a curve tube stroke to them all simultaneously with the CurveTube brush at whatever size you wish.
Theoretically, if your mesh is low enough resolution you could crease all of the edges at once and convert them all to curves at the same time. However, there is a limit to how much geometry this function can process, and you may not be able to generate all those curves at the same time. So it may be necessary to go through and repeat the process section by section with fewer live curves on your model at one time. Draw out the tube strokes, delete the curves, then create curves on a new section of the mesh.
Theoretically you could then split the tube strokes to their own subtool, and fuse them together with live boolean if desired. It may be necessary to tweak the tube strokes in places so they cleanly intersect.
Good luck!
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Okay I tried micropoly option. The library of meshes is quite intersting although they are far more intricate than I require. I only require a simple tubular cross section.
Can you share some screenshots or a video to demonstrate this process? I didn’t understand.
Yes, the existing library does not have a piece that is exactly what you are looking for. The article I linked contains instructions for creating your own Micropoly pieces. For my example I quickly made the attached cylindrical cross section piece, though you may be able to find a configuration that works better for you. If you have trouble getting the orientation right, temporarily disable “Fit”, and rotate the pieces until you find the correct orientation.
Again the topology is going to be key here–stretched or rectangular polygons are going to noticeably distort your grid. The demohead model doesn’t have particularly great topology, and you may want to rewire your target surface for better effect.
tubegrid.ztl (41.9 KB)
Sure! Although I’m employing subtle tweaks as I go that can’t easily be covered in a single forum post, but the basic process is this:
Brushes used:
- ZModeler> Edge> Crease> Edge Loop Complete
- CurveTube
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Crease the edge loops you want to mark for a curve. The Point> Crease> Shortest Path may also be useful in areas where the loops aren’t easily defined.
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Stroke> Curve Functions> Frame Mesh (creases).
- It would be great if this function would simply define curves for the entire mesh at once, but it is limited in how much geometry it can process in a single operation. You will need to crease a smaller number of loops at once, create the curves and the tube strokes, then repeat the process. If you go to frame the mesh and the curves only partially generate for the creased loops, you will need to eliminate some of the creasing and try again.
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CurveTube brush at the desired stroke settings, applied to the live curves by clicking on them.
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Commit the curves by clicking on a section of the mesh far enough away from them so that the edit curve (cyan) cursor is not active, or with Stroke> Curve Functions> Delete.
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Clear all creasing from the mesh (Tool> Geometry> Crease> Uncrease All). You may need to unmask the mesh to clear the creasing.
Repeat section by section. You will undoubtedly need to work with quality, evenly distributed and well shaped topology, and you may need to try different approaches in certain areas to avoid issues with the curves. After you’re done you can split the curves into a separate subtool, tweak them, fuse them with Gizmo> Remesh by Union if desired, remesh if desired, and then subdivide for smoothness.
Good luck! 