Mesh Modeling

Draw | Mesh

A mesh surface is the functional ‘skin’ of an object, consisting of edges, vertices and faces which stretch over of the polygonal surface of an object.

By applying a mesh to the surface of a complex shape, specific contours of the model can be reshaped.

This function applies a tessellated surface of equal distribution over the surface, thereby sub-dividing the surface into its composite levels. This allows infinite modeling control to be exerted over the meshed surface.

The Mesh Tools facility of the PowerPack allows for the identifying, analysis and repair of meshed surfaces and edges. Meshed surfaces are created using Draw | Mesh. Sub-editing of the mesh is done using the Select and Select Deep tool.

The sub-divsional cage of the modeling mesh can be increased or decreased to adjust modeling control. Individual mesh polygons are selecting using the Select Deepand manipulated using the Gripper tool.

The identification, analysis and repair of meshed surfaces is done using PowerPack | Mesh tools.

Various mesh modeling tools are discussed and demonstrated below.

MESH BY POINTS

Draw | Mesh | Mesh by Points

This tool creates a planar mesh using 3 or more points with options to create a mesh across this surface using the following options :

3 Points

4 Points

Arbitrary Points

Grid from Corner

Grid from Diagonal

The illustration below shows a mesh created using the Grid from Diagonal option, below left and the Grid from Corners option, shown below right.

Using the Grid from Diagonal/Corners options

The illustration below shows a mesh using Arbitrary Points in the sequence shown below left. Double click at the last point to end the sequence. This produces the finished mesh, shown below right.

Mesh created from Arbitrary Points

Sphere and Torus Mesh

Draw | Mesh | Sphere

The Sphere mesh divides the surface in rings (latitudinal divisions) or sections (longitudinal divisions)

In the example below, a sphere is drawn with a radius of 50. There are 10 rings and 20 sections. This Sphere is drawn in an isometric view with the origin and point on the axis shown as points 1 and 2 below.

Sphere mesh produced with different number of Rings and Sections

Torus

Draw | Mesh | Torus

The same method as above is used to produce the rings and sections of the meshed surface of a Torus. In the example below, an equal number of rings and sections is provided in the illustration left, and an unequal distribution is provided in the illustration below right.

Equal, above left and unequal, above right distribution of rings and sections

Block Mesh

Draw | Mesh | Block

A mesh is applied to a boxed-shaped object by distributing the mesh across the area produced by defining 2 diagonal base vertices and a height.

In the example below, a block of 100 x 80 x 20 is drawn, with a mesh distribution of 4, shown below.

Block of 100 x 80 x 20 with a mesh distribution of 4

All instances of the variables shown in the edit fields can be input prior to creation or after the block is drawn.

The distribution of the mesh is dependent on the axis of the object. For example, in the illustration below left, the distribution of the mesh segments on the x axis is increased to 8, with the y remaining at a distribution of 4. In the illustration below right, the distribution of mesh segments is increased to 8 along the y axis, with the distribution on the x axis returned to 4.

Distribution shown above left as x8 ; y4 | shown as x4 ; y8 above right

Mesh Skin

Draw | Mesh | Mesh Skin

A mesh is created between multiple profiles on different elevations, connecting the vertices of each shape in the order of selection.

When more than 2 profiles are selected, hold down the SHIFT keyboard key when selecting the profiles.

The order in which the profiles are selected is important. Consider the different outcomes below.

Lathe Mesh

Draw | Mesh | Mesh Lathe

A closed sketch region can be used to create a profile which can be revolved about an axis to produce a solid. In the example below, the axis is shown by points 1 and 2.

The Lathe Mesh tool creates a mesh defined by rings and sections, shown below right.

Lathe Mesh produced from profile

Bridge

The Bridge tool connects, two faces of separate objects by creating a transitional surface between them.

In the example below, the Bridge tool has been used to connect the truncated surfaces in their logical curve.

Using the Bridge Mesh tool to connect surfaces

Mesh Symmetry

Inspector | Gripper Properties | Mesh Symmetry

The Mesh Symmetry tool creates a symmetrical plane about which faces, edges or vertices can be modified. The resulting modification will be symmetrical about the plane.

The Mesh Symmetry tool displays its own transparent plane in alignment with the drawing axis which can be moved, scaled or rotated about its own axis.

In the example below, the Gripper and Mesh Symmetry is enabled in the Inspector. A sub-divided box was drawn using the Mesh Block tool. The view is set to Isometric and Show AxisView | Show Axis is activated.

Mesh Symmetry Plane activated

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See also

Resizing the Mesh Symmetry Plane

Moving & Rotating the Mesh Symmetry Plane

Symmetrical Facet Edit

Symmetrical Edge and Vertices Edit

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Gripper

Selecting the Vertices, Edges and Faces

The polygonal sectors of a mesh is comprised of vertices, edges and faces.

The Select tool is used to select the series of vertices shown in the illustration below left. In this example, a left-to-right pick window is used to select the vertices shown in red below left.

The Select Deep tool is used to select the edges and faces of the mesh, shown in the illustration below left. The keyboard SHIFT key is used to select multiple vertices . A similar left-to-right pick window is used to select the edges and facets shown below right.

Select tool used to select vertices, above left; Select Deep is used to select mesh edges and facets shown above right.

Left-to-right pick window used to select.

Selecting and Manipulating Vertices

Using the Select tool

In the example below, a Mesh Block is created to a size of 50 x 40 x 80.

The Select tool is used to select the vertices shown below left. This is done using a by holding down the SHIFT keyboard key and creating a series of left-to-right window selections.

When the vertices are selected, shown below left, a single vertex can be used to change the shape of the top edge. In this example, the top middle vertex is moved so that it is connected to the corresponding vertex on the edge below.

Select the vertices to manipulate the top edge

Using the Select Deep Tool

Faces and Edges of the mesh are selected using the Select Deep tool. The GripperModify | Gripper is used to manipulate the selected faces using the axes of the Gripper as a directional guide.

By selecting specific faces shown below left, the Gripper is used to move the selection forward along the x-axis, shown below middle.

The Gripper is enabled using Modify | Gripper or by selecting the Enable Gripper option in the InspectorWindows | Inspector.

Manipulating facets using the Gripper

The Select Deep tool is also used to create a cavity or void through an object. In the example below, the Select Deep tool is used to select the faces shown in a red outline. When the area is selected, the DEL keyboard key is used to remove the selected faces from the mesh, shown below right.

Removing facets and edges

Remove Simple Holes

PowerPack | Mesh Tools | Remove Simple Holes

In the case of simple holes, the Mesh Analysis tool can be used to repair a hole in the mesh, similar to the example below.

Closed gaps or holes are shown by meshed triangular shapes, shown in image 3 below.

Repairing a hole in the mesh