3D Max tutorial - Spline cage modelling (Part 1)

3D Studio Max tutorial. This is part 1 of a 2 part tutorial showing how to create spline cages, using the surface modifier to complete the model. Spline cage modelling is the process of drawing out complex shapes using splines and then adding a surface to the object. This is a real easy way to model complex objects and gives you control over your polly counts and the easy to go back later on and make either minor or major changes easily.

The image I use in the tutorial can be found here: http://users.bigpond.net.au/dax/pics.htm

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• 3D
• studio
• max
• tutorial
• spline
• cage
• modelling
• part
• 01

[chriscook1981]

If its a cube you want why not use a NURBS cube?

Try the 3d max help, there used to be a segment in there that showed how to create a chess rook using this method and I think you may find that helpful.

I havent used max for a very long time (I'm a may man now) but your problem could simply be in the way you draw your cube, try different methods. Try drawing the top square then the bottom then the interconnecting sides. A cube can actualy be drawn using only 2 splines, maybe that will work.

[toxick1340]

where do you get skins for max?

[chriscook1981]

its a custom ui that ships with max.

go to customize -> load custom ui

browse to:

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 9\ui

and select dark-ame

[zboy303]

@HellKnightDan - Depends on your definition of 'said'. People say it, clearly, as the guy in the video is saying it, but it's not in any dictionary.

[HellKnightDan]

@zboy303 it IS said verticy, and vertex aswell

[rikuziyi]

i just want to make simple cubes for an architectal model. i'm trying this technique but when i add a surface or shell modifier the whole shape dissapears!!! HELP!!!!

I need it to be spline modelling and shelled out to be able to sent to a 4d printer. ideally i just want to click using splines but i cant do this because verticies cant have anymore than 2 points coming out of them and i need 3 to make corners (if you get me!) this is so ridiculous for something so simple!!! :'(

HEEELPPPPP

[zboy303]

Great tutorial! And it's 'vertex', not 'verticy' ;)

[kingsufian07]

Thank you sooo much. Even though this is few years ago, your clear tutorial helped me. APPRECIATED!!!

[JohnHoworth1971]

Neat Tutorial fella nicely explained....does this weld all the connected vertices together when i convert it down to an editable poly ??....

[jujikabane]

does it only work with 4 vertices on the cross section cage?

[beatboxsimchayaffa]

awesome