Creating a spherical helix?

[chrisparrott]

Hi all,

 

I have a question. I'm trying to create a helix that follows inside the shell of a sphere. This is to create a continuous ramp running from the bottom of the sphere to midway up.

 

Any suggestions? The helix just creates a tapered cone, not a sphere - if you get me.

 

Thanks!

[Stephen Thomas]

Well, I like a challenge so here's one solution. Parametric too, so you can go back and adjust to suit afterwards.

 

Step 1 - Create regular helix

 

Step 2 - Add taper modifier, see settings

 

Step 3 - Add spherify modifier

 

Step 4 - Outline spline and delete start and end sections to leave side rails. Make top vertices of both splines no. 1

 

Step 5 - Add cross section modifier

 

Step 6 - Add surface modifier

 

Done!

[chrisparrott]

Phwoar! Thanks a lot! A lot neater than what I was attempting (bullions, creating shapes, editing splines - nightmare).

 

Thank you so much!

[Zdravko Barisic]

Stephen, you could even make some script if you are good with max scripting?

Awesome and clear tutorial!