FFD Sketchup - TWIST - desparate attempts fail

PRSS · 8 Jul 2008, 08:43

Hello everybody!!

This has reference to the post made by Daniel S in the thread "SketchyFFD".
This is about making a twist with the script.

301 Moved Permanently

(www.sketchucation.com)

A movie file is also attached in that to perform a Twist. I have been desperately attempting
to do this in vain for the last two days! The only deformation I get is a sharp bend with a fold.
It is not a smooth twist. I am not able to attach an image as I do not have any website to host
my files.

I am very interested in doing that twist. Please help me solve this.

Thanks in advance
PRSS

remus · 8 Jul 2008, 10:12

It sounds as if your model is not subdivided enough. FFD can only deform the geometry that already exists within your model so if you try and deform a square it will look crap because youll only get a slightly weird looking square out.

Non subdivided square:

Subdivided square:

A good ruby to help you subdivide your shapes is the zorro script, or if you have it the subd and smooth script. There is also some limited subdivision built in to the most recent FFD script.

PRSS · 8 Jul 2008, 11:24

Thank you remus,

Yes, it now worked with the subdivision of
the surfaces also. But the "Twist" movie clip shows no subdivision
of surfaces but only the FFD nodes. I am wondering whether Daniel S
had any other method of doing this. Or was he trying to explain
something else?

Thank you once again
With best regards
PRSS

Gaieus · 8 Jul 2008, 11:27

Hi PRSS,

Maybe those lines were softened already and hidden geometry turned off?
(Just thinking loudly - I haven't even downloaded the script yet)

BorgMan · 8 Jul 2008, 11:35

Hmm... Can someone explain to me how subd'ing works? When I'm looking at that square my mind can't understand how the second shape is formed using subd'ing...

remus · 8 Jul 2008, 12:00

I think your thinking of subdividing and smoothing, all we're talking about here is subdividing it. Al your really doing is adding lots of extra edges/faces to the model so FFD has more to work with.

Daniel S · 8 Jul 2008, 12:39

Hi PRSS

You need to subdivide before using FFD. FFD can subdivide all for you: you have to choose NxN FFD and in Subdivide item choose "true". My video don´t show the subdivisions because I soften edges first.

Here i attach another video to show you all this.

Hope that helps,
Daniel S

twist video .wmv with soften edges

PRSS · 8 Jul 2008, 13:02

Thank you Daniel S for your kindness in doing another
movie to explain it. Many thanks to others also.

So many replies in a short time! Now I have it solved.
It is working fine.

Script is a great script - thanks to CPhillips.

With best regards
PRSS

dylan · 8 Jul 2008, 18:10

Nice explanation and video Daniel

david_h · 8 Jul 2008, 18:55

So is there an updated version to the FFD ruby, cuz I don't get the Subdivide option on my screen menu.

remus · 8 Jul 2008, 19:05

The subdivide option should appear under right click->ffd->NxN.

If its not there you probably dont have the latest version.

david_h · 8 Jul 2008, 19:09

I guess I don't. Any link to it? thanks. There are so mnay versions floating around. I have tried 3 of them, and each do something different.

D

Never mind. . . .I think I got it now. DUH!!!

lapx · 8 Jul 2008, 22:12

You mean like this?

By starting with a square twist top via rotate.
Erase surfaces.
Make mesh with soapbubble of 4 sides.
Copy square on top of itself.

dylan · 9 Jul 2008, 11:26

@unknownuser said:

So is there an updated version to the FFD ruby, cuz I don't get the Subdivide option on my screen menu.

I believe it needs to be grouped to get the option

PRSS · 9 Jul 2008, 15:48

Lapx, that is great. That is what I want.
By the way I just bought today the subdivide & smooth
script. Haven't had the time to experiment with it yet.

With best regards
PRSS