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Another GMax question......

F

Firebar

Charter Member
Once more I have a question that some of the GMax masters might be able to answer.

What is the best way to bollean (or otherwise) a really clean cut in a surface? Whenever I try to bollean something I end up with loads of extra polygons and lots of distortion. Is this a factor of bollean or is it a problem with what I am doing?

Thanks in advance again,
Matt
 
Hey Firebar,


Boolean is a known 'problematic' and difficult way of cutting area's in an object, especially sophisticated ones.

* Make sure you are using a Editable Polygon to cut an 'Editable Polygon'. Dont use Editable Mesh objets on each other. Convert them first.

* Adjust the sophistication of the mesh of the cutting object with that of the Object being cut.

* Try moving vertices and edges around on the cutter to see if you can improve a cut.

* Make sure you have plenty of 'backup space' so you dont accidentally mess up your work. Backup, resave as next level up perhaps twice, just in case.

* Later, almost always, you will have extra Vertices in the cuts. I will move them over to the top of nearby Vertices and weld them. I use Side and then Top view to align a Vertice onto another one. When its dead on, I select both and weld. Might take a while, but its well worth it and leaves your model clean.


Also, try experimenting with Shape Merge instead of Boolean. I use Shape Merge all the time now. Its more stable. But you'll still need to clean up the Vertices after a cut. When cutting with Shape Merge, you will use a Spline to cut with. You can make a template part (exotic curved object) with a cylinder hit with Taper a few times, then make the Spline along its edges, delete the template part, and use the Spline as your Shape Merge cutting device.

NOTE: You can only do one side with a Spline. For me on my rig, they will not mirror for some reason, so I have to make a second Spline for the other side using the first one as a template, overlaying the vertices of the Spline over the other one, then move outward to where its hovering over the object to be cut.

Here is a quick Tutorial on Boolean, if it might help.
http://www.aerodynamika.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1118866265


Have fun!


Bill
 
Bill is dead on as usual Firebar. Make sure you are in editable poly mode,(I try and do nearly all my stuff in E-poly mode). I try to not use the SUBTRACT A-B or B-A, I instead use the CUT/REFINE option. I try and make the cutter piece a high vertice count too. After you do that, you will be able to convert the Boolean object back to E-poly and remove the polygons in the area you want removed. From there you can target weld the extra vertices until you are happy with the shape of your cut. You should try it on a few test parts first though so you know what you are looking at before you start chopping your project up. :D:ernae:

Cheers
Randy
 
Good points.

I would add the following:

Do a Save before you start a boolean to have a restart point if necessary.

1. Have both parts in editable poly.
2. Select all polys and remove all smoothing for both objects.
3. Use cut/refine to leave polys in place. This is helpful if these cuts are for windows or doors. Do not detach at this time.
4. After the boolean, return the object to editable poly.
5. Clean up the vertices. If you wish to move one vertice "on top" of another, select the target vertice and get the coordinates, then paste them into the other vertice coordinates. Now weld them.
6. After cleanup, you may detach or delete the polys.

If these polys are to be windows or doors, simply detach them and rename them This maintains a tight fit between the parts.
 
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