modeling help - LOFT issue

[amer abidi]

Hi,

 

I've got an issue with a ceiling decoration im trying to loft.

 

i'm trying to extrude this profile shape along this path spline (please view attachment). I'm having issues with the "squaring" of the corners and meeting points.

 

I'd hat e to model this detail using other time consuming methods... is there anyway to fix this loft?

 

Pls keep in my mind that the green and blue prfoile shapes are two different shapes, each lofted individually.

 

thank in advance.

Amer

 

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[Tommy L]

First thing I notice is that this has two lines of symmetry. You only need to model a quarter of it. This should help a little, as you can tweak is as a mesh after your done.

In fact, what you could do it make two circles, loft them (green and blue in the same profile).

Then overlay the two loft objects in the correct position then just slice to give you a 'quarter' of the whole object. Then simply mirror twice.

Badaboom.

Edited December 2, 2008 by Tommy L

[amer abidi]

First thing I notice is that this has two lines of symmetry. You only need to model a quarter of it. This should help a little, as you can tweak is as a mesh after your done.

In fact, what you could do it make two circles, loft them (green and blue in the same profile).

Then overlay the two loft objects in the correct position then just slice to give you a 'quarter' of the whole object. Then simply mirror twice.

Badaboom.

 

but its still the same issue around the corners!

I'm going to break it down now into 4 quarters now and try what youve said, but this is what ive been able to get around before reading your reply.. just by using the outer profile instead of inner profile (so to speak).

 

This fixes the overlapping, but screws up the inner corners. seems like going to editable poly is the only way around? is there no feature to use two lines to profile a loft? as in two path lines, inner and outer?

 

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[Tommy L]

You wont loft any 'corners'. Your shape is made up of (basicaly) two intersecting circles. One small and one large. so.....

If you first look at your shape in plan, cut it into quarters, you are left with two curves which meet at the corner (which is giving you trouble).

Therefore, you can just loft the two curves as entire circles.

Then you can slice the circles to make your required curves.

[Tommy L]

Here is a diagram showing my idea.

[amer abidi]

works in theory only (or ALOT of detail welding)

 

left it for now and working on oither detail till (if) someone is able to help out

[Tommy L]

It will work. It will be very easy.

[amer abidi]

lol! i tried it! you dont understand the profile im going for will not be easy to attach if segmented your way. i'm away from the office now, but ill post an image of my attempt tomorrow.

 

Anyway, if i dont find an answer soon i'll just have to either have another go at your way, or just poly model it all. crap.

[id_ivan]

Lofting is not an option for me. I used "Bevel Profile" alot, as it have more option (ie Move, scale, rotate on both profiles). Bevel Profile use vertex on both profiles as starting point hence it has more flexibility and accuracy instead lofting which is using pivot.

And if you dont use deformation for your profile, why bother to use it at all?

[amer abidi]

Lofting is not an option for me. I used "Bevel Profile" alot, as it have more option (ie Move, scale, rotate on both profiles). Bevel Profile use vertex on both profiles as starting point hence it has more flexibility and accuracy instead lofting which is using pivot.

And if you dont use deformation for your profile, why bother to use it at all?

 

will look into bevel profile as ive never used it before.

 

Had to poly model the whole thing (loft based ofcourse).. not so smooth around the corners, but it'll do for my purposes.

 

Thanks for the help guys.

 

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