Help!: Warping 3D Text (True Type Polyline extrusion)

[huangfba]

Hi,

Does anyone know how to bend 3D letters around a cylinder?

Attached is a quick sketch of what I'm trying to do.

One is the number "2" and the other is an "O"; I'd like to wrap them around a cylinder.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Jonathan Pickup]

1. create a texture for the numbers and letters, using a bump map.

2. make a copy of the cylinder, slightly bigger, and create a texture for the numbers and letters, using a transparency map.

3. you could model it. if the letters didn't go the full width of the cylinder, you can use the project tool.

[Kevin McAllister]

Ultimately there is no way to "bend" the letters in Vectorworks. Jonathan does list a few of the work arounds, but each has its drawback. To achieve this accurately I have done it in Rhino and imported it into a Vectorworks drawing.

This would be a great wish list item.

KM

[GWS]

I'm sure I've seen a video tech tip somewhere that would do this...'text along path' seems to ring a bell, I just can't find it.

[Jonathan Pickup]

text along a path can make curved text, but it curves in the wrong direction. You can't bend the text in the right direction for this example.

Text > Text Along a Path...

[Kevin McAllister]

Text Along a Path could get you close to a useable result (see attached image, you need to adjust the Rotate About Path angle in the OIP to make the text stand upright). The problem in this specific case is the size of the text vs. the degree of curve in the surface. Text Along a Path generates letters that are still flat planes, so letters the size needed would not follow the tight path.

KM

[bcd]

There must be a way. It's simply an unfold in reverse. If only the Projection tool had a radial option.

[Jonathan Pickup]

here is an example of someone that did what you want

http://matteawandesignworks.tumblr.com/post/243856979/goofing-around-with-radius-text

[Gytis]

I would go with archoncad option #3. Not intuitive, labor-intensive, but desired results, I think. Also, don't see the radius limitation with Shell Solid.

• Text>TrueType to Polyline>Convert to NURBS
  
• Cylinder>Extract Surface>Split (in half)
  
• Arrange Text NURB Curve (Profile) over NURB Surface>Project and Trim>Shell Solid (inside)
  
• Arrange onto cylinders...and ...voila
  

Thanks for the Saturday workout. ;-)

[Gytis]

Left out additional step required for <0>. Create separate shells for outside and inside (hole) and subtract solids.

[huangfba]

Much thanks everyone! Option 3 worked perfectly. Great to learn the project and trim tool and the shell tool.