Folding Parts of Models
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Hi Dr Sassi,
Is there a realistic way to bend objects along an edge? To explain better, I want to fold some packaging but with realistic bends along the edges. I have to do some packaging and I plan to use the same template net of the design for print for a UV texture map as well, that way I can use the same graphic for the printers as I can for the 3d model.
The packaging is an easy enough model, and to fold it I know I can select say a flap for example, and then rotate it from an edge using the axis tool to set the bend point. I can go all around my model this way until it is folded into the correct shape, just as you would in reality. The only problem is, is that the bends are too perfect. When you fold a piece of card in real life, there is slight rounding/bulging along the edge. Is there a way to simulate this in C4D?
Kind Regards,
David -
Hi David,
Here is a little intro from last week's Ask The Trainer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6wGK0VWGnM&t=3807sIf you have in mind to have a thicker material "squeezed" or "stretched" in the folding area, then it becomes more complex.
I would then suggest using a Joint rig. With that, have a look into the Tension Tag
https://help.maxon.net/c4d/2025/en-us/Default.htm#html/TTENSION.html?TocPath=Object%2520Manager%257CTags%2520Menu%257CRigging%2520Tags%257CTension%2520Tag%257C_____0https://cineversity.maxon.net/en/tutorials/c4dquicktip-103-rigging-a-folding-box-in-cinema-4d
From my perspective, I would explore how the fold will happen, i.e., how it was prepared before the fold. If the material is thick, the joints need to be where the material isn't changing in "length".
If there is an idea to estimate how to adjust the print based on folds, then you need to know if the material you print on can stretch at all (Cardboard boxes vs Plastic, for example).
I have never adjusted it with cardboard boxes, as it doesn't stretch (my experience here is 200 produced packaging designs). But I would also check with the printing house and ask if there are any concerns.Sometimes (like for paper bags), the print has, by default, a very low precision, to begin with. Things like that. I always learned something from talking to them, and the production works better when the people doing the job are involved from the start.
Is the folding animated or just flat and folded states?
Perhaps consider looking into Cluster or PoseMorph as well.
More about the packaging is here:
https://cineversity.maxon.net/en/results?term=packagingI hope that helps!
My best wishes for your project
My best wishes
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Hi Dr Sassi,
Thanks very much for the advice. The way that Mr Noseman does it in that 'Ask the Trainer' series is very similar to the way I was going about it. I guess I was looking for a way to make all the bends and folds with the thickness already applied, (as it would be in real life). I will explore the tension tag and experiment with that to see what it can do (haven't had tine this week because of workload) I'm okay with the graphics side of things as I do packaging design regularly for years now, and like yourself I've never needed to compensate for stretching. The materials we print on are quite thin so its never been an issue. At this stage I don't need to animate it however I'm thinking that when I have it all setup it would be great to have the option to do so at a later date. For now my goal is to try and make it as photo real as I can, hence the folds, thickness and rounding etc. Thanks again
Kind Regards
David -
Sounds good, David.
Thank you very much for your reply.
If you like to explore animation, perhaps we can start that when you have time in a new thread.
My best wishes for your project
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@Dr-Sassi said in Folding Parts of Models:
https://cineversity.maxon.net/en/results?term=packaging
Hello! I am a corrugated packaging designer (using ArtiosCAD software) and I found this conversation on a search for folding boxes, because I want to create packaging models in Cinema 4D from the die line paths I create in ArtiosCAD (which I can export and duplicate in Adobe Illustrator if need be, as the paths are vector), adding realistic thicknesses and bends. The link above was very useful in creating a static package, thank you.
With that said, I would love to be able to find a way to animate the folding of a package that is connected in a similar way, keeping the thickness and ability to bend/fold. Most of the information and tutorials I have found are good at assigning edges to panels that represent folding axes, and creating children of panels from which they fold. However, I have not had a lot of luck with keeping folding edges seamlessly connected when adding any level of thickness or extrusion. Everything I have done so far in Cinema 4D relating to animating the folding of a flat packaging die line into the final element only really effectively works when the packaging die line has near-to-zero thickness.
Is there a way to create convincing folding animations with flat packaging that has a degree of visible thickness (a lot of the board we use in my industry is anywhere from 1/16" thick, to as much as 5/16" thick)?
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
- Jeremy
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Hi Jeremy,
As you know, the material plays a main role in how the fold will resolve the material that is squeezed or stretched and how the fold is prepared.
The method used in Character Animation is called PSD (Pose Space Deformation)
https://help.maxon.net/c4d/2025/en-us/Default.htm#html/TCAPOSEMORPH-ID_TAGPROPERTIES.html#ID_CA_POSE_MIXINGIf you need that precision, that would be a way to go.
Example:
CV4_2025_drs_25_CAfd_01.c4d
I always asked for samples of the material so I could see practically how it influenced the final result, including how they defined the fold during production. I assume you have that already covered.Here is an example of how to use Joints to set up a simple fold while using the Pose Morph with PSD to set the Pose (the state of the fold) and Driver (the joint that drives the folding.
Is that working for you?
All the best
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@Dr-Sassi said in Folding Parts of Models:
https://help.maxon.net/c4d/2025/en-us/Default.htm#html/TCAPOSEMORPH-ID_TAGPROPERTIES.html#ID_CA_POSE_MIXING
Thank you! I'm going to look this over and let you know what questions I may have.
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You're very welcome, Jeremy.
My best wishes for your exploration!
