Extruding a Faceted Surface

[Scott Ciungan]

Hello,

 

I'm trying to create a build drawing for a 3D backdrop that mimics the facets of a diamond.  What is the best course of action to extrude this in 3D?

 

The total size of the backdrop is 10' x 10' with a maximum depth of 10"

[Kevin Allen]

Are the Gaps intentional? I would use 3D Locus objects and 3D Ploygons

[Tanner Shelton]

I second what @Kevin Allen said. I had to do a table with a very similar design on the front, and it involved a lot of 3d polygons.

[Kevin McAllister]

Here's a slightly different take on how to approach this -

 

1. I started a 2d rectangle as my boundary in Top/Plan and quickly drew a bunch of lines to form a variety of triangles (Far left).
2. Next I used the paint bucket mode of the polygon tool to quickly "draw" the triangles themselves.
3. Then I selected the triangles (polygons) using the Magic Wand tool, used Cut to get them out of the way, deleted the foundation guidelines (rectangle and lines) and paste the triangles back in place.
4. Next I converted the triangles to 3d polygons.
5. Next I converted the 3d triangles to a mesh (second from the right, highlighted in orange).
6. Finally I selected individual join points and moved them in the Z direction.

The advantage to this approach is you can use the joined property of the mesh to your advantage. Even if you place 3d depth loci first so you have something to snap to, the mesh is the way to go. Note that I've drawn the panel on its back and it would need to be rotated into its vertical orientation once its complete.

 

Kevin

Facetted Surface.vwx

[EAlexander]

I wonder if there is anything in creating the base shapes in 2d, then floating some 3d locus points above and using Extrude multiple. I would rough in the base shapes like this then draw 3d polygons to connect spots that need it. Sorry for no example, I'm not at a computer. 

[Benson Shaw]

I think Kevin has it right.  The Mesh object in step 5 allows movement of individual vertices or groups of vertices. The trick is to select using the select tool with a click on a vertex, or surround a vertex or group of vertices with a marquee (or lasso, or polygon if the select mode is changed to one of these options).  This selection can be done in any view (well, the side views don't help much at the start, because the mesh just looks like a line.)  The selected vertex can be moved in z direction by dragging, or numerically by tabbing into the smart cursor cues until the z field is active.

 

-B

[Stephan Moenninghoff]

I would use a Subdivision. Iteration level 0. Then, connect the edges with the Add Edge mode. Should always be triangles (in my example I didn't make sure I had triangles. It's just to show you what I mean). It is very quick and efficient.

[Kevin Allen]

To clarify. I'm guessing, we're all guessing, at the final results desired. it looks to me like a series of flat panels. I agree that sarong with a 2D rectangle/polys gives the base layout.

 

I think the desired results are flat planes of sheet metal or some other thin material. I m unclear as to whether the gaps are wanted.

 

Once the points re determined in 3D space, I would use the 3D Polygon tool to make the polys and then the Shell Solid tool to get the thickness. If the gaps are desired, that's probably it. It these 3D objects need to mitre, some fussing will be required.

[Kevin McAllister]

10 hours ago, Benson Shaw said:

The trick is to select using the select tool with a click on a vertex, or surround a vertex or group of vertices with a marquee (or lasso, or polygon if the select mode is changed to one of these options).

 

^ Don't we all wish the "3D Grabber" interface for the Subdivision tool was available for this step 😁

 

Kevin