How do you create smooth grooves on a surface? I've always used ISDX and curves to build them, but today playing with standard surfacing I found this neat trick I'd like to share with you, if someone is interested... The part is like this:
I wanted to do it in a completely controlled way, both for width, depth and transition range.
First I created a curve on surface, you can use ISDX or project, doesn't matter, then added some offset curves:
There are two "side curves" with a controlled offset to define how large the groove is, and a normal offset curve for constant, controlled depth. I added two curves on surface to "close" the groove shape and trim the surface inside
I then made a curvature continuous boundary blend with side, bottom and side curve. To "clear" an area for the transition I used the "Extend" tool, this can accept a numerical input, I like it!
Once the gap was created, it was easy to fill it with another CC boundary blend, as you can see below:
Ok, I don't think it's nothing outrageous, I like the way I can control all dimensions.
Paolo
I wanted to do it in a completely controlled way, both for width, depth and transition range.
First I created a curve on surface, you can use ISDX or project, doesn't matter, then added some offset curves:
There are two "side curves" with a controlled offset to define how large the groove is, and a normal offset curve for constant, controlled depth. I added two curves on surface to "close" the groove shape and trim the surface inside
I then made a curvature continuous boundary blend with side, bottom and side curve. To "clear" an area for the transition I used the "Extend" tool, this can accept a numerical input, I like it!
Once the gap was created, it was easy to fill it with another CC boundary blend, as you can see below:
Ok, I don't think it's nothing outrageous, I like the way I can control all dimensions.
Paolo
