Help: How to model a complicated pattern snapped around a cylinder?

[pentexplorer]

Hello all, this is my first time posting here and am amazed by the wealth of information I have been reading here..I want to ask something on modelling a complicated pattern shape around a cylinderical shaped primitive. The pattern is indicated in the green rectangle box in the picture I have attached. I am having difficulty in modelling this around the cylinder shape..the pattern does not look so straight forward to me and using splines I encounter some problems..How should I go about doing this? Should I use two shapes for this or is it possible to use 1 shape? 1 for the circles and 1 for the 2 tubes around and try and mis match around the cylinder with pathdeform modifier? but I think it will not fit together nicely...I probably would use mapping for the pattern if I cant solve it but I would like to know first if anyone is able to help me out here...thanks

[Claudio Branch]

You can approach this task either using the Path Deform Modifier or the Bend modifier.

 

The first order of business is modeling the pattern so that it's length is equal to the perimeter of your structure:

 

p=2*pi*r or (Diameter of the dome) x pi = perimeter

 

The easiest way to model this pattern will be to tackle one unit, use the Array tool to repeat copies of it, and Attach all of them together. Then collapse the pattern down to an Editable Poly and use the Bend Modifier. Set the X Bend axis at 360 degrees. Be sure that you have lots of vertices to make the final geometry nice and smooth and Meshsmooth never hurts.

 

Here is what it will look like....

[pentexplorer]

Thanks for the tip claudio...for that pattern you mentioned, I aligned the pivot center to the cylinder center and I array around the circle..anyway sorry actually I was referring to the pattern above the one you did..the one with tubes and helix shaped like curves...the shape seems to be a more complicated process and I cant seem to get the shape with splines as the circles in the middle of the 2 tubes appears to be over the tube instead of connecting all together.

[Claudio Branch]

No problem...

 

It's still the same solution. The design above the pattern looks like a paperclip chain laid out flat. Pretty easy to model with splines.

 

Get after it.

Edited November 18, 2008 by Claudio Branch

[Claudio Branch]

 

...the shape seems to be a more complicated process

 

 

Simplify it then.

[pentexplorer]

hey there...thats great..I did try with your process and found the attach/array/bend modifier method working better...did try using the same kind of shape as the cad and turned out pretty ok unless from very closeup views then I have to refine some vertices and edges from colliding that could be obvious from CU...it will be probably better to simplify the shape like you did in your picture...thanks for the tips!