Pattern on a curved surface

[michael3130]

Hi everyone,


I'mtrying to create a pattern on a formed surface but I need thepattern not to distort asit goes round the surface. The surface curves in a number of directions. Does anyone know of a way to do this wether it is by wrapping images, sheet metal or anyother method?


Can't seem to upload the picture but can e-mail it if necessary though will try again tomorrow.


Thanks

 

[michael3130]

At last it uploaded. Anyone any ideas?

 

[design-engine]

that pattern is not normal to the surface... I think what you want to do is project with a curve that is normal to a surface.You will not be able to pattern the merge or trim tho.
Edited by: design-engine

 

[michael3130]

Bart,


I suppose the best way to descibe it is it's like a piece of fabric. In the flast state it has a pattern of hexagons, but when it's wrapped round the part of a body they're still hexagons but distorted as they flow round the body. That's what I want to do.
Edited by: michael3130

 

[design-engine]

to get the pattern to pattern you can't use project/wrap like we like because that sh*t don't pattern.

The trick would be to use a point on the surface (three points to make a plane) with two other points relative to the first and create a datum to extrude a cut perpendicular to the plane. The definition of normal is that cut perpendicular to a tangent plane in this case.

 

[michael3130]

If I understand correctly what you're saying, does that not mean I'd have to do each hexagon individually?

 

[design-engine]

one very special hex feature normal to the surface. and the datum in the plane would be created using the three points so the datum sits normal to the surface (relative to the points).I will try it tonight... I just thought I could give you a hint. If I were to do it this is my first thought on trying it.

Wrap would work but the merge / trim combo may not pattern so well.


Edited by: design-engine