I don’t think you need use subdivision surface modeling for this kind of shape. For me it looks like for this shape it’s easier to use booleans and bevels. Topology doesn't matter much. You end up with big amount of n-gons, but since those mainly will be on flat surfaces they will not affect shading.
Hi @KungFuCactus The easiest way to get those Grid details on your Geometry would be just using Normal / Height Details in your texturing program. If for some reason this isn't sufficient enough I'd create a plane with the general outline of the diamond details and project / wrap this plane on top of your existing geometry…
Looks really good. If its for an offline rendering I would use displacement, just create a striped texture and use a planar UV map. With enough subdivisions it could look really good. If you are planning to bake it, you could also use displacement or bumpmapping, depending on your baking Software.
I normally do that, but i just wanted to show how to get the shape done. And i split the top poly row too. And if you skip part 1-3 like i said in my edit you won´t need that either, because it´s already done :P
@Brygelsmack: Maybe you can divide the part into two different parts. My idea woud be that the screw-thing will be screwed into the base. This would make the whole geo much easier (and mybe more believable as you can say the "screw-thing" is something to adjust something or simply holds the object together). :)
Thanks man, I will do that :) The way you show is in my prefered list also, but I'm dealing with low poly now, so I need to think about round edge without turbo smooth :) Thanks for the advice, I didn´t think about the additional edges. Thank you,
I've starded a ppk gun using subdiv, and as i was struggling with it, i was wondering if it wudn't be easier to use a surfacic modeler like MOI 3d for some parts. What do you guys think about it ? Is there a reason why you never use "nurbs" modeling technics as base for mechanical stuff ?
You might have to grit your teeth, grab a drink, and redo the shape - or a large part of it. I always hate looking at something and thinking, 'oh christ I've got to do it again...' Sucks. :( Just think, you'll be glad you did in the end! Gotta quote to say this is insane. :thumbup:
skyground, thank you, yes your exactly right. And a little PS levels as well. sasuki I could tell you in max but I dont know maya so well sorry, here is something I googled that might help http://vcell.ndsu.nodak.edu/~christjo/vcell/Tutorial/tutorial1.htm