3dsmax...unwiding coil

[ilob]

Greetings,

 

...a first post to this site. I'm learning Max and am stumped how to animate a coil, or spool, unwinding from a fixed axle. Any and all help is appreciated. I am excited to learn more! Let me know if I'm breaking protocol by posting here...

[Claudio Branch]

 

I'm learning Max and am stumped how to animate a coil, or spool, unwinding from a fixed axle.

 

 

Interesting mechanical animation problem...here is my solution. This is a "bare bones" explanation and assumes that you are fairly comfortable with Max. You will learn much more about Max by further exploring solutions on your own.

 

You need to create a Helix to represent the path that your cable will follow and you need to create a single line with a high vertex count. You then apply a Path Deform modifier to the line and then select the Helix. You should also select "Move to Path." This modifier has a percent value that you can animate and it controls how many times your cable cycles through its helical path.

 

The Path Deform modifier can be a little perplexing at times and may not behave the way you want it too, so be persistent and patient!

 

Here are some screens shots from an animation of a "coil chases coil" that I created to test the solution.

[Darkling]

Just wanted to add 2 small comments.

 

1. You should use the Path Deform World Space Modifier (WSM), and not the normal Path Deform. There is a difference

 

2. The deformation moves along the z axis by default, so you will have to rotate the pivot until the z axis is oriented along the wire (in your case).