Hard surface egde flow

Ryandec

I'm trying to understand how to correctly subdivide and keep topology consistent for creating hard surface models, iv'e tried to find some infomation but i cant seem to get what i need, maybe i havn't looked hard enough but i was wondering if anyone could help me out.



Here is the model im working on, it's just a simple cogwheel that i'd light to get tight bevels on and the general smooth hard looking surface.
Thanks in advance.

Blaizer

Working with hard surfaces we need to add more geo, specially with curved shapes. If you work with a very low poly model you always will get artifacts and your mesh won't look well. Use a tube/cylinder with more sides and don't worry about its density (32-64 or 48-96 depending or your design, even dents, non even dents). 

Don't forget to use a radial symmetry if you can, you won't need to work on too many bevels/hard borders. Just a single part.

Ryandec

got the hang of it a bit more, substance render is nice. some janky bits around the egdes and still need to learn the egde flow, i look into symterry stuff in maya i was unaware of, so thank you!

Blaizer

No problem, you are welcome.

It's looking good, keep it up!