[3ds Max] Preserve cylinder volume after subdivision

jonpolygon

I would like to ensure that a cylindrical object retains it's radius / dimensions after subdivision is added. Currently, a cylindrival object with the diameter of 13.2cm will reduce to the following diameter after TS is applied:

• Iterations 1 - 12.949cm
  
• Iterations 2 - 12.886cm
• Iterations 3 - 12.87cm
• Iterations 4 - 12.866cm

As you can see, with additional subdivision the size / volume is reduced. Does 3ds Max have an option to preserve the volume of an object while subdividing?

Mark Dygert

That kind of depends on why you're sub-dividing it and what your end goal is. Since you're using Turbo-Smooth to divide the mesh it will smooth and relax the mesh as it subdivides. That volume loss is just part of what it does.

If you want the exact same volume you can subdivide without smoothing, turbosmooth probably isn't the smartest option but you can turn on "separate by Smoothing Groups". That will keep any smoothing breaks sharp.

You can also start your cylinder with more sides and segments.

You can also "Tessellate" in Edit Poly which will add subdivisions without smoothing.

If you want those rounded corners that you get with turbosmooth then you have to account for the volume loss ahead of time by making the cylinder bigger and adding support loops around the hard edges to help control the smooshing it will do.

Noren

It also depends on where you measure. SD will preserve the center of each face and smooth the vertices, so to speak. But as it then takes the newly created face centers for each iteration, the volume will slowly shrink (quickly at first, then infinitely approaching a final surface).
You can use MeshSmooth set to classic mode if you want to preserve the initial face centers of the base mesh (so you can measure once at the face centers and that diameter should be preserved).

Depending on how regular your topology is, you can also try to use Flow Connect, but that's not 100% accurate, either.
Might also want to check out if there are scripts available for preserving the volume.

jonpolygon

Thank you both for your help! A lot of solutions to experiment with to understand the results.

monster

Make a Circle shape and use an Extrude modifier. Adjust the Circle's Steps to add more subdivsions. Works perfect.

jdellinger98

On the top and bottom of the cylinder (if there not deleted) you can make a small inset. 

Also, depending on the geometry Select the top and bottom edges, Loop, and chamfer by 2 with a small value.