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Old 8th December 2003, 05:54 PM   #1
foxa
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Default Modeling cables

OK - so I am pretty sure I am stretching the intended use for AC3D, but I need to model some cables and wires for electronic assemblys. I have absolutely no idea where to go (if it can in fact be done). I have tried useng a poly line and changing the crease angle but I need some advise.

Thanks

Art
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Old 8th December 2003, 06:38 PM   #2
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Default Re: Modeling cables

It will take a while, but it can be done. You might try using the same method that I used in making the spark plug wires for my "Wild Bike" scene. Just start out with an 8 to 12 sided disk. Then just begin by extruding the shape in short enough segments to give you a smooth line. It will be tough to make compound angles, but just be patient and keep extruding and rotating the shape until you complete all the bends in your wire. After you complete your first wire you can just duplicate it and bend it to the new shape.
Don't worry if you think that the wire is too thick because you can always scale the model large enough to make the wires thin or just scale the wire down to the size you need it.
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Old 9th December 2003, 07:40 AM   #3
Andy
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Default Re: Modeling cables

You could try using subdivsions surfaces like this:



This is simply a rectangle that's been extruded. The subdivision level is set to 3 but you could add more sections or extrude a simple ellipse to get more detail and a lower subdiv. level).

The vertices are moved and the end surfaces are bevelled or indented (try setting the subdivision level without doing this to see why it's needed).

This makes a cable model much easier to edit and very small.

My quick example can be downloaded from: www.ac3d.org/ac3d/forumpics/cable.ac

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Old 9th December 2003, 10:25 AM   #4
foxa
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Default Re: Modeling cables

:shock: Wow! Thanks guys I will try both of those and let you know how they work.

Art
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Old 9th December 2003, 12:52 PM   #5
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Default Re: Modeling cables

That's a great way of doing that, but the only problem that I've ran into is that if you're creating a wire, tube, or hose in a tight, confined area, it makes it tough to control the results of the smoothing.
The smoothing tends to want to straighten out the line as well and I have to end up going back and adjusting all of the vertices anyway.
If you're creating the wire in a non-confined area, then it would be perfect.
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