Hi Henry and all.
Also, is it possible to make an instance of a cross section curve for
a sweep so that more than one pipe/sweep can share the same cross
section shape so that only one curve needs to be edited to change the
size/shape of multiple pipes (sweeps)?
Not sure if my question is clear. I want to make several pipes that
are the same size (cross section). I though if I used instances of the
same circle then I could change only the master circle to change all
their sizes (cross sections) at the same time, rather than use copies
of the first circle and have to change all of them one at a time.
As far as I know, the instances dont have this feature, neither do the
'Link' tool which really should be able to do this, as it can be used
instead of a Path curve in path animation and also in other situations.
But here is a couple of ways you can use.
Way A:
1. Create your Nurbs Mesh using your 'Profile' and 'Path' curves. (Same way
as I suggested in the other mail)
2. Duplicate the Nurbs Mesh (with its 'Profile' n 'Path' curves inside it)
3. Multiselect the 'Profile' curves, first the one in the duplicated Mesh
and then the original 'Profile' curve.
4. In the 'Tabbed Toolbar's 'Lattice Mapping' Tab, click the 'Map' tool and
set its 'Mapping Mode' to 'Pointwise' and accept.
(This Maps the 2nd 'Profile' curve to the 1st, so when you edit the 1st, the
2nd will change with it !)
5. Multiselect the 2nd 'Profile' curve and the 2nd 'Path' curve in this
order as well, do the same as in step 4, but set 'Mapping Mode' to 'Object'.
Now you have it all setup...
You can now make as many copies of the 2nd Mesh as you like and edit their
'Path' curve to your wanted shape (avoid moving its first point)
You should also only use the 'Path' Curve in Object Mode to move the wanted
Pipe, and NOT the Mesh Level itself !
You can pointedit the original 'Profile' curve and all other 'Profile'
Curves will change.
Way B: Similar to what Matthias suggested like Tim uses, but my way if you
dont need different radius along the curve.
1. Create your pipe using a simple Nurbs Curve.
2. In 'Properties' Win's 'Gen' Tab, Uncheck the 'Invisible in photorealistic
render' option.
3. In 'Prop' Win's 'Spec' Tab, set the 'Head' n 'Tail' diameters as you
want, render and see.
4. With the curve selected, then in the 'Tabbed' toolbars 'Lattice Mapping'
Tab, click the 'Paste' tool, and check the 'Instance' option.
5. Now click in the 'View' Win for each position you want an instance of
your curve !, and accept when you have your needed number of instances.
6. Point edit your Instances. to shape your pipes to your liking.
Found another bug =), but also a workaround for it, for now.
It shows up if you change the diameters of the original curve after you have
point edited the Instances.
Then the point edited Instances dont update to the change of the original
curve's diameters..!
The workaround is simple, just click on the 'Quality' Slider knob ! (just
below the diameter sliders !)
and the Instances renders with the correct diameter.
Thanks,
Henry
--
--
Henry Tjernlund
http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/browse.php?username=henrytj
http://www.modelmayhem.com/HenryTjernlund
http://imdb.com/name/nm2519729/
http://www.myspace.com/henrytj
http://henrytj.deviantart.com/
Hope it helps.. if something is unclear, just ask...
Take Care
Best Regards
SteFan Gustafsson ( Beg-inner )
A Proud Owner and User of Real3D and Realsoft3D..
