Connecting 2 Spline Rings

smckenzie · Feb 17, 2023, 7:34 PM

Is there a way I can join these two splines together without a spline to sweep along?

Dr. Sassi · Feb 17, 2023, 2:48 AM

Hi smckenzie,

Thanks for the file.

The Spline is a two-segment file. I'm unaware of how to create a "tube" out of it in one step.

Use the Main Menu> Spline> Segments> Explode Segments
Attribute Manager> Object> Close both Splines
Place both new Splines under a Loft Object

Now you wonder why it is that thin in the middle. The reason is based on the point order (Sequence).

Main Menu> Spline. Point Order (Drag that little Menu out, so you can click on Sequence up or Sequence down.)

When you find the right starting point, the rail will be equally in diameter. If you have no luck with this, perhaps reverse in one Spline the point order. It is part of that little Menu you pulled out by now.

Explore the Options in the loft; it is a powerful object.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9teevs083y4lwgf/CV4_2023_drs_23_MOts_01.c4d.zip?dl=0

All the best

smckenzie · Feb 17, 2023, 3:12 AM

Got it, that's really cool! Thanks again

Dr. Sassi · Feb 17, 2023, 4:33 AM

You're very welcome, smckenzie.

In case you have this often, two Spline segments with the same point number, here is an alternative.
The Point sequence of one segment needs to be adjusted. The Connect object's function is to close the tube. Switch the Connect off to see the little gap.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/o0o9738esettzbt/CV4_2023_drs_23_MOts_11.c4d.zip?dl=0

I have an idea to streamline this; I will write a request.
Cheers

smckenzie · Feb 17, 2023, 5:08 PM

Is there any benefit to doing is this way? I will have this often and with many more spline loops.

smckenzie · Feb 17, 2023, 6:22 PM

This technique doesn't seem to work to well on more complex shapes like this. What do you think?

test5.c4d

Dr. Sassi · Feb 17, 2023, 7:33 PM

Thank you, smckenzie,

This was a test setup and, as I mentioned, more for a two Segment setup.

For multiple Segments, I have already put a request/idea in and had a little exchange with someone who might be able to provide this.

I would say modeling is a creative task. One has to create (or ask) for solutions. But also ask the provider of the original files to prepare perhaps the output in a better way. I have seen over the decades that CAD users often toss out what makes sense to them, as the receiving party didn't work with them to find a better workflow.

If you have a multi-segment Spline, perhaps Explode it, then use the Axis Tool to get to each segment the axis centered. Then use the MoGraph Tracer to connect the object (Axis only) and use it as a sweep. You might need to duplicate the Tracer Spline and move it to get a Rail.

All the best

smckenzie · Feb 17, 2023, 8:18 PM

I wasn't able to get that to work.

Dr. Sassi · Feb 17, 2023, 9:16 PM

What do you have in mind by "That"? The File or the workflow.

smckenzie · Feb 17, 2023, 9:20 PM

I was referring to the Tracer solution you mentioned.

Dr. Sassi · Feb 17, 2023, 11:42 PM

Thanks for clearing this, smckenzie,

It feels like Rivit is not a suitable app for export if it can't produce, even with a perfect input, a mesh that is usable down the road, going by your comment.
I have never touched it, and I'm only used to the various Nemetschek CAD, marking 30 years soon since my first training at Nemetschek Berlin.
I had it running for my CAD team in the office back then. So, I'm certainly biased.

Here is a workflow for that Tracer idea. Will that always work no? It depends, as all for modeling. There are many techniques, and the one you use must fit your workflow.
https://stcineversityprod02.blob.core.windows.net/$web/Cineversity Forum Support/Multisegment_To_Object.mp4
(This is a windows service, not my choice, but suggest to use here. "Blob". Microsoft Azure.)

Here is the file with some more fixes, and a different solution as well.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wgm8s9oafww68ix/CV4_2023_drs_23_MOms_01.c4d.zip?dl=0

I write in a forum, so I place enough information in the text that it is possible to follow most of the reader. Oversharing is critical, not assuming things are known.

Enjoy your weekend

smckenzie · Feb 18, 2023, 3:04 AM

I agree, if it was better out of Revit it was be easier for sure.

With that said, I did figure out how to get profiles and the sweep lines out of Revit. I also figured out how to make walls use a miter joint instead of a butt joint. The miter joint will show up if using FBX format but you do have to delete the non manifold face on the mitered corner.

Dr. Sassi · Feb 18, 2023, 3:27 AM

Thanks for sharing, smckenzie!

Those things can make me happy, as I can see the amount of saved time! Well done!

Enjoy your long weekend.

CINEVERSITY

Connecting 2 Spline Rings