Create a surface from intersecting straight lines

[Ned Daugherty]

I'm relatively new 3D aspects of VW. I'm trying to create a curved surface, using straight lines. The finished shape will be a hyperbolic paraboloid (curved, but made up of straight lines). I've drawn the straight lines and have the shape that I want, but I can't see how to make this series of intersecting lines in to a uniform, 'solid' (curving) surface. I suspect there is a relatively simple way to do this, but I'm not familiar enough with all the commands to know how to do so. A detailed, step by step would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Using a PC with Windows 7 Ultimate, and VW 2016

Edited April 10, 2017 by Ned Daugherty

[Jonathan Pickup]

you could compose the lines, then convert them into a NURBS surface.  But if you are trying to make the Hyperbolic Paraboloid, I would try learning how to use the Subdivison Surfaces. 

[Kevin McAllister]

When you say you've "drawn the straight lines" are they in 2d or 3d? If I understand the surface you're trying to create, you would convert the convert the lines to NURBS curves and loft between them using the first mode of the Loft Tool. Attached is an example file.

 

Kevin

 

 

Surface v2016.vwx

[Kevin McAllister]

I experimented a bit with Jonathan's suggestion of using Subdivision Surfaces and in my simple example it was very quick to do. Here's a new version of my file containing the result. I started by generating a square Subdivision Primitive, dragged an edge to make it rectangular to match my example, and then pulled the four corners to their proper heights. Very simple. Hopefully it translates back to VW2016 successfully.

 

Kevin

 

 

Surface v2016.vwx

[Ned Daugherty]

Thank you gents, both approaches worked very well, although the subdivision will take a little playing around with to become fluent. 

I certainly appreciate the entire VW community and all of you that are passionate and dedicated to the product, users and 'VW philosophy.'

 

Cheers!

[Jonathan Pickup]

Of course, learning to use the subdivision tools will require an investment of time. But the benefits are great and will outweigh the investment many times over.