Itoo Software Forum

Author Topic: Truss  (Read 1662 times)

nils_p

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Truss
« on: September 07, 2016, 02:06:35 PM »
Hi.

Currently I'm melting my brain over this truss system I'm trying to develop. I'm not too experienced with RC so obviously I'm having some trouble with this.
The idea is to make the whole thing parametric. What I want it to do is:

*Width
*Length
*Height
*Selecting the right corners based on position
*2 Options for standing truss or hanging (this could be two different RC's as well)
*Every 10m needs to have a standing truss and interconnection

In the attached image is an example setup (manually placed) All the unique parts are colored

I don't know if this is even possible with RC. Please let me know

Cheers,
Nils

Paul Roberts

  • iToo Software
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2991
Re: Truss
« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2016, 04:32:22 PM »
Hi Nils,

Thanks for the question. This is a slightly tricky one because it required a 3 dimensional array. To get around this I propose using nested arrays for the uprights sections. These could be controlled with an instanced spline so that they're all the same length as shown below:



You could then use these along with the other segments in a two dimensional array. The approach is nearly identical to the one shown in the parametrising windows tutorial so I'd recommend reading or watching that if you haven't already. There are however a few differences:

- In the window tutorial segments are scaled. In this version they are tiled. Therefore the Count parameters of the sequence operators has been exported to allow you to easily control the spacing.
- All segment's Z alignment has been set to Top. This is so that the framework remains aligned and does not move when the "legs" change size.
- To keep the legs on the ground, the Z Size of one segment is exported and wired to the Generator's Z Offset. In that way as the legs change size it appears as thought the top part of the model moves up and down.



Please see the attached file for an example of this setup and if you have any questions, please let me know.

Many thanks!

Paul
« Last Edit: September 08, 2016, 04:51:17 PM by Michal Karmazín »
Paul Roberts
iToo Software

nils_p

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Re: Truss
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2016, 08:19:25 AM »
Thx Paul,

You guys are awesome! I'll give it a try.

Oh, it seems you saved the file in 3dsmax2017. Can you save it for 2014?  :-[

thx in advance
« Last Edit: September 12, 2016, 08:21:47 AM by nils_p »

Michal Karmazín

  • iToo Software
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2447
Re: Truss
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2016, 10:18:39 AM »
Hi Nils,

Sure, attaching the version for 3ds max 2014.

Best regards,
« Last Edit: September 12, 2016, 11:42:27 AM by Michal Karmazín »

nils_p

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Re: Truss
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2016, 11:15:53 AM »
Many thanks but this one is still 2017 8)

Michal Karmazín

  • iToo Software
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2447
Re: Truss
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2016, 11:43:25 AM »
Oops, fixed. ;)