Hello,
If you are a user of
3DS Max or
GMax (free 3DS Max), this thread can be useful to you for engraving on uneven surfaces.
The goal is to project splines or texts on a 3D object to obtain new splines that follow the surface of the 3D object.
you must first download and unzip the attached file that contain two script for 3DSmax/Gmax (all versions) called "refine_spline1.2.ms" and "Wrapper1.03.ms".
After unzip you can store this files in the script directory of Max.
Run max and create/load a 3D Mesh, then write some text or draw splines.
The 2D shapes must be at a positive Z position.
The Wrapper script converts all arcs to lines, and you must have a very detailed shape to get a good result (Wrapper don't add control points).
You must first use "refine spline" to obtain a detailed shape.
I convert the text in spline before, but it's just to show the control points. …. there are not enough
I must refine the spline.
Use the
MaxScript main menu and select
Run script, then browse to the directory you have stored the two scripts and open "
refine spline"
Clic on "
pick shape to refine" and select the spline you want to refine.
You get some info about vertices and segments.
set a suitable value in each 3 rolout and clic "
Refine picked Shape"
you can compare the result to the original spline.
sometimes, on strait lines, you get long segment that must be manually refined.
In edit mode, select the segments and use the "divide" button after setting the number of vertices you want. (20 here)
Refine is done, and now I can wrap the spline on the surface.
Use the MaxScript main menu and select "Run script", then browse to the directory you have stored the two scripts and open "
Wrapper"
Wrapper is very easy to use, click on the "
Pick" button below "
Source object" and pick the spline, then do the same thing to pick the mesh with the second pick button, select "
Conform to surface" and clic on
GO to run calculation.
You get a new wrapped spline on the 3D surface, the original spline is not altered.
the result
I do the same thing with the second text, then I must save 2 different files for use in
Cambam.
The spline must be exported alone in DXF format (autocad R12), and the 3D mesh must be exported in STL or 3DS format WITHOUT the splines (you must hide the surface or the splines before save, or use the save selected option in the DXF/STL exporter)
Use the
File/export menu to do this.
You can now open the two files in
Cambam,
first open then DXF
Then use
Draw/Surface/From mesh file to insert the 3D mesh.
Now, you can set an engraving MOP to your texts
a CutViewer simulation
Maybe a way to do this directly in Cambam in the future ... ?
++
David
