Distorted Polygons due to Joints/Weighting?

[octomber]

Hi All,

I'm struggling getting rid of Polygon deformations caused by weighting, I guess.
I've attached the C4D file. It's a simple Teabox which shall be folded and animated. The rig etc. is working but the bones/joints cause very slightly deformations to the geometry so that the folded box is "out of shape".

I've done weighting several times, used snapping while building the rig so everything is accurate.

Maybe someone can point me out what's wrong with the weighting (or rig or something else).
Faltschachtel_20Btl_R2024_ohneSchnittDeckel_weighted_0011x.c4d
At the end it should be like on the Maxon Site: https://www.maxon.net/de/cinema-4d/features/thicken-generator

Thanks in advance and sunny regards,

Tom

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the file.

Some points are weighted to the Wrong Joint, see image. In the case of Point 32, the value set to the joint "0" makes the point stay where it is. Then, the distortion happens.

Other joints add up to 200%, meaning any movement the group of joints makes will result in 200% movement. It needs to be 100% precise in total.

All the best

[octomber]

@Dr-Sassi Hi, first of all - thank you for pointing me in the right direction. Weighting and I are standing on "Kriegsfuß"

However ... I rigged and weighted the box again and it seemed ok but there is still a slight distortion, therefore the box doesn't fold and fit perfectly ... and I can't find the failure. It is even more clearly seen if thicken and bevel is activated.

Maybe you (or someone else) could have a second close look on model and rigging and pin-point the error directly to my eye

Thanks in advance and sunny regards, Tom

P.S. new file is attachedFaltschachtel_20Btl_neu.c4d

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the file.

The weighting has no problems. However, the Thicken introduces some conflicting areas, while the Bevel will increase this.

I have prepared this for you with the time-slider. Go from start to finish, the first and the last frames have the reflection-texture shut off.
CV4_2025_drs_24_ANfl_11.c4d
Explore in file …11.c4d the Perpendicular Border slider (90º)
.
Here is a workaround
CV4_2025_drs_24_ANfl_12.c4d

I'm not aware of how to get Thicken to work for a folding box, but in the second file, there is a trick to hide the problems. It's not perfect; just do a little expectation management. However, explore the parameters of the Thicken, perhaps there is at least something like a sweetspot…

My best wishes

[octomber]

Hi Dr. Sassi, thanks again very much. I'll get through it todays afternoon. How ever: as Maxon itself advertises the thicken generator on its website (https://www.maxon.net/de/cinema-4d/features/thicken-generator) I suppose that it should work properly. Besides, the example is exactly what I want to achive and as I can see the rig etc. is pretty similar to mine. I'll keep you updated and thanks again!
Sunny regards, Tom

[Dr. Sassi]

Thanks for the feedback, Tom.

There are many options to combine things that can cause situations that are difficult to solve automatically in 3D setups.

Do you have this in mind?
https://www.maxon.net/en/cinema-4d/features/thicken-generator?srsltid=AfmBOorf1T6n-4-HTF3qt-BwHe91cSF_vNFxO8jF5x7arq5cA4pVG3lU

Here is a 20-second clip that showcases the problem:
https://stcineversityprod02.blob.core.windows.net/$web/Cineversity_Forum_Support/2024_Clips_DRS/20241104_Thicken-Problem-Bevel.mp4

Since you wrote that you are not in love with weighting, even though you did a great job here weighting it, the solution would be, as shown in the video from the website, that the Bevel would be part of the model and is already driven by the overall weighting. With this, there is no sudden "pop-in" at one specific angle of the Bevel added geometry or the flip when the edge changes 90º.

Here is my suggestion on a simple level:
CV4_2025_drs_24_ANcb_01.c4d

Anyway, I understand this should have an option to tell the tools, do this, and avoid that. I get that.

This leaves me here, as I can't change the code (of course not), to share this link, so you have your wish directly shared with Maxon. Fastest and most observed inbox for suggestions:
https://www.maxon.net/en/support-center
"Share Your Idea!"

Sorry that I can't give you a better answer.

All the best