Top Things To Know About Subdivision Surface Modeling

Subdivision Surface Modelling: The Concept

With this modeling technique, you can

· Work on a simplified cage mesh

· Get the present polygons subdivided for creating derived surfaces smoothly

The cage mesh is a standard object with facets on which you have earlier applied subdivision modeling. Your subdivision’s shape would be dependent on the relative distance among the cage’s segments and vertices.

This method serves many purposes. These include:

· Ability to model complex smoothed surfaces

· Modeling of simple meshes of low-vertex for creating smooth meshes

· Creating organic meshes of high resolution

· Adding details to any object for smoothing the same out

With this modeling technique, you create newer areas that carry more details. A base mesh is used which is subjected to division and subdivision for more subtle detailing. In each successive subdivision, you can control them better.

If the surface’s shape is complex, control points would be more compared to flat or simpler ones. Hence, detailing would be finer for complex shapes.

The catmull-clark algorithm gives rise to form•Z subdivision. As subdivision level increases, 4 newer faces are carved out of every face. Hence, it is advisable to start subdividing with 4 sided polygons. If underlying quad mesh is preserved by subdivision tools, results can be predicted during division or addition of newer faces.

Subdivision Modeling Process

For working with subdivision surfaces, you need to build a polygonal shape known as a cage. The cage should be tentatively shaped in the form of a model being created. The polygons used should be of 4 sides.

This model would form base topology and would define control points’ locations while getting converted to subdivision surface. The new segments would server as subdivision edges. Every point will act as a subdivision control point.

While working on the model, you can switch between polygonal cage geometry underlying the surface and subdivision surface. For this, you need to use Swap tool.

Once the polygonal mesh has been converted to subdivision surface, its shape can be adjusted through the movement of control points when controls are visible. You can also use ‘Transform; tool on surface’s face, segment, or points. You may use form•Z tools present for editing object or you can go with specific tools. Some tools deliver better in subdivision mode whereas others in the facetted model. You can toggle between them.

Some important tools and their usages are discussed now:

· Select faces of subdivision mesh’s region where you desire more control

· Use Divide tool for making a new level

· If the surface region has to be given shape edge, apply crease

· Crease can be complete or partial applicable on the face, segment or object

Prior to subdivision, the facetted object called ‘Cage’ is an object. After that, it forms the controlled object. ‘Show Controls’ can be used on objects with this modeling just like form•Z parametric objects. You can use F6 for making the controls visible or not. These particular tools can be applied right on face, segment, visible control line, and points. You need to press down Ctrl in Windows or CMD in OS X if controls are not visible during application of particular tools at a sub-object level.

Technique Of Subdivision Modeling

Subdivision modeling techniques are numerous. On many forums, N-Gons, poles and other techniques are much talked about. In this modeling programs, you can access many advanced tools which permit switching rapidly among smoothing levels which help you in previewing the mesh for seeing its appearance after smoothing.

‘Edge rings’ or ‘Edge loops’ are sets connected in parallel or inline. They can be selected, added, deleted or modified easily. Model’s form and flow can be controlled with tools.

Prior to this technique, the body and form must be defined first. Additional polygons can be used for giving depth and detailing to smooth surfaces.

Advantages Of Subdivision Surface Modeling

You can reap many benefits as discussed below.

· Problems experienced with Bezier patches and other patches are surmounted

· Complex topology shapes like shapes with holes can be constructed now

· Many patches need not be spliced together

· Surface algorithms allow complex shape creation from the simple control grid

· As patches are eliminated, seams between patches don’t pose a problem during the animation

· Gaps would no longer show up during animation or recursive subdivision

· Seams are eliminated with unified control grid for entire complex object

Conclusion

This modeling technique offers many advantages. You can use it for creating complex figures on which you can exercise more control. At ThePro3DStudio, experts can help you with subdivision and other 3d modeling techniques so that you can accomplish the desired 3d modeling results easily.