[3DSMAX] Spline tool script (sort of like ZBrush Curve brush) for repeatable geometry along spline.

OccultMonk · Apr 2016

Paul Graveson has a tool, that he did not publish as far as I know: Spline tool. This is not the same as objects that are repeated along the spline with the snapshot tool. These objects are bend along the curve and merged like the curve brush in Zbrush. I know you can do this manually with the world space path deform modifier, but you still have to guess the amount of objects you need, and it can't be adjusted dynamically. This would be ideal for repeated merged topology such as ropes and hoses, but also for stitches that bend with the spline.

I wanted to make such a script myself, but I just don't have the time. Does anyone know if there is a script like this? Or how to contact Paul Graveson?

http://www.predictable-paul.com/index.php?cat=art&type=tools

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021068/uploads/editor/6o/72cr2k8kr720.jpg

musashidan · Apr 2016

Here's his twitter feed https://mobile.twitter.com/moppius looks like he's still active. Maybe contact him that way.

I don't think he released it and seems like he might have moved on to Maya. Certainly looks identical to having insert multi mesh curve brush in Max. Post back if you succeed

OccultMonk · Apr 2016

I tried a month ago, but didn't get a response. Maybe someone else could try? I could probably code it myself with booleans and world space path modifier, but I don't have the time.

musashidan · Apr 2016

OccultMonk said:

I tried a month ago, but didn't get a response. Maybe someone else could try? I could probably code it myself with booleans and world space path modifier, but I just don't have the time.

No problem. I'll give it a go myself(contacting him, not scripting:) ) would be great to have that extra control with Max's splines using imm curve set up.

OccultMonk · May 2016

@musashidan: Did you get a response? It seems like a waste since it would be a useful script.

Isn't there something like this?

musashidan · May 2016

@OccultMonk, hey mate, I did what I swore never to do......I opened a twitter account....

It was the only way to get in contact as far as I could see.
He replyed with this when I asked if he'd ever released it:

@musashidan1 i didn't, no - always wanted to convert it to C++ for speed but never had the time. It has some bugs preventing release atm

I still asked for a 'bugged beta' release to test. I'll see what he says, and if he's happy to give me a beta copy I'll let you know.

musashidan · May 2016

OccultMonk said:

Isn't there something like this?

I'm not aware of any other scripts with those features similar to tri-parts curve brush. Although I hadn't really looked into it until you posted this.

PolyHertz · May 2016

musashidan said:

@OccultMonk, hey mate, I did what I swore never to do......I opened a twitter account.... It was the only way to get in contact as far as I could see.

Eh? It's @MoP, he's on these forums all the time, you could have just sent him a private message...

musashidan · May 2016

PolyHertz said:

musashidan said:

@OccultMonk, hey mate, I did what I swore never to do......I opened a twitter account.... It was the only way to get in contact as far as I could see.
Eh? It's @MoP, he's on these forums all the time, you could have just sent him a private message...

Haha! Seek and ye shall find, eh? I did know he went by MoP, but I haven't seen him post. (Although I'm only on here a few months) thanks for the heads up.

Yeah, just had a gander at his profile page. He hasn't visited since Jan 1.

OccultMonk · May 2016

@MUSASHIDAN Great Thanks,
I would not care if it has some bugs. If I know what the bugs are I can work around them ;-)
I think this is a great tool for a lot of detailing work.

OccultMonk · Jun 2016

vonBerg said:

Hi there!

From what I can see this isn't really useful like this yet. You should be able to select existing splines. For example splines that were created from outlines of existing objects. Drawing a spline freehand is not something I do often as it is not accurate enough. Like this, it's a gimmick, not really functional. If I want to add for example a zipper to a coat, I will create a spline based on the existing geometry. I am also missing the option to have caps on both ends.
I hope you can improve the functionality because this can be really useful when implemented correctly.

Paul Graveson's Spline tools still seems to work better.

OccultMonk · Jun 2016

Concepts of my script. I just made the interface and unfortunately did not have the time to implement it. I wanted to make that script for a very long time but never found the time.