Line Extruding problem

[tommyjj]

hello everyone,

 

I'm trying to make a road and sidewalk around a site that my company is currently dealing with. I've got a map of the surrounding area and i have tried tracing out the shape of the sidewalk/pavement using NURBS and the Line tool... I can trace the shape out fine but i've forgotten how to turn it into a solid shape. I'm sure i just used to use Extrude, but using Extrude on the current shape only extrudes the lines upwards, rather than making a plane between the lines each side and making a 3d shape (as it would if you were to Extrude 2d text).

 

here is a screenie of the current Line (not NURBS) and Beveling it... Extrude has the same effect

 

the sides of the shape seem ok, but i cant make it fill in between the two sides to make the surface of the pavement.

 

is it because the shape isnt totally 2d? i.e. it slopes uphill slightly?

[Sawyer]

Usually when I get something like that I don't have a closed shape. Sometimes I get lines that extrude sideways and that drives me nuts. Often those are from a cad file.

[briantone]

Hey- I've had this problem as well. What I do is select the line, view vertices, and look for multiple squares-- If there is more than one, it indicates that the line is not closed. Just select the vertices that aren't connecting and "Weld" and the problem should be solved!

[Koper]

select all the vertices and weld, then some will be de-selected, the problem lies with those that are still selected because they could not be welded. you will then have to inspect them idividualy.

[jafs00]

If nothing of the above works it's because sometimes two coinciding vertex point won't be able to weld because their X, Y and Z coordinate values differ by some decimals. Select each individual vertex by left clicking them(never by cross-selection), be sure to have the select/move tool, not just the select tool, after each selection, just right click and the coordinates will come up. be sure each one coincides in their X,Y and Z values.

 

another thing that might work is adding a "caps" modifier, but usually, the geometry will give problems if the vertex points aren't welded in the 2D spline.

[Brian Smith]

I agree that it's gotta be the linework is not closed. Good linework in CAD is critical to good models in Max. You can fix it in either program. Go to vertex subobject mode and select 'Show Vertex Numbers' to see all the break easily.

[Koper]

Hey Brian, I have found sometimes that when trying to extrude a spline with another one inside so that it create a hole, you have to reverse the vertex numbers of one of the splines. Do you know why that is?

 

I know with lofting one have to line up the starting vertexes, is this the same reason?

[Brian Smith]

I've never had to do this. This may have been necessary in older versions - i can't remember. But whether extruding or lofting I don't know why it would be necessary to change the start vertex of a loft. Obviously if the loft changes its profile over its length, it would be necessary but other than that I don't know why.

[Koper]

o yeah sorry, i meant the profiles starting vertexes

[Brian Smith]

Can you send an image or something that show what you mean...I still don't recall ever having problems like you're describing.