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Author Topic: Cylindrical Surface  (Read 2071 times)

ralphr

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Cylindrical Surface
« on: October 19, 2015, 10:39:51 AM »
I am currently wondering if it is possible to create the stepped ceiling effect inside the railclone manual tutorial ( http://docs.itoosoft.com/display/RAILCLONE/5+-+How+to+use+Surfaces ) but on a cylindrical surface. I am aware that the surface function only works through the Y-Axis but would there be an option to maybe cheat that effect. My current workflow would be to do it like in the manual and convert rc objects to instances and use a bend modifier. The obvious downside however would be bending of the objects and heavy geometry load so I'd like to avoid that.

Cheers,
Ralph

Paul Roberts

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Re: Cylindrical Surface
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2015, 03:06:12 PM »
Hi Ralph,

As you point out this is rather tricky with RailClone at the moment as it can only project the splines onto a surface along the Y Axis. The easiest solution is probably to use Forest Pack and create the stepped effect using maps to affect the transforms.



To do this you would create two Forest Objects: one for the panels and a second one for the struts. Make sure both Forest objects use UV Surfaces and share identical Distribution settings. You can then use a grayscale map to control the Z translation of the tiles and the Z Scale of the struts to get a similar effect as the one show in the RailClone tutorial but on any surface shape.  I've attached a demo file to illustrate how this might be achieved.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have further questions.

Many thanks,

Paul
Paul Roberts
iToo Software

ralphr

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Re: Cylindrical Surface
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2015, 03:31:44 PM »
Paul if your gif is any indication this will work perfectly. I'll give this a spin as soon as I am able. Additionally I have another RC issue which is pretty basic but has me quite stumped would it be possible to send you a small scene per email?

Paul Roberts

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Re: Cylindrical Surface
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2015, 03:35:49 PM »
Hi Ralph,

Glad to help out. Of course, please send the scene or a download link to support@itoosoft.com and I'd be happy to take a look at it.

Many thanks!

Paul
Paul Roberts
iToo Software

Paul Roberts

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Re: Cylindrical Surface
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2015, 05:47:05 PM »
Hi - I've just replied via email.

Many thanks!

Paul
Paul Roberts
iToo Software

ralphr

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Re: Cylindrical Surface
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2015, 08:31:27 PM »
Hello Paul,

I just tried to apply your forest pack method to my scene and it works perfectly. So thank you for figuring out that workaround!
Currently not in the office so I didn't get to check out your email response yet but I'll do so tomorrow.

Paul Roberts

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Re: Cylindrical Surface
« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2015, 09:51:15 PM »
Hello!

No problem at all, I'm pleased we could help out :)
Paul Roberts
iToo Software