Week 9 - Deformers

 

Week 9 - Deformers

What Have I Learned This Week?

Deformers

Bend Shape: Found under Deform > nonlinear > Bend

Deformer tools will create handles of different forms. The Bend tool will create a linear line handle to create simple bends based around the number of edge loops the geometry has. The more edge loops you have the more curvature the bend will have. In my example I created a tyre I created a Cube and used the Bend tool to create a slight curvature along with rotation, deleting all-by-type history and bend deforming again as a complete curvature. To finish off I made sure that all vertices have meshed together, also, I extruded within my rounded mesh to create a Type shape.


Another feature to Deformers is that the handle's bounds can be adjusted, meaning the handle can be moved to only affect certain parts of the mesh. To test this I created a candy cane model by adjusting the Bounds of the handle to only create curvature on the top half of the Cylinder Polygon.

Flare Shape: Deform > nonlinear > Flare

Flare deforms by adjusting the sizes of the top and bottom of the mesh as well as the curvature within the middle of the mesh. This can be used to create models such as bottles or baskets. In my example, I created a potion glass bottle by adjusting the curvature within the middle of the cylinder and decreasing the radius of the top face (Start Flare) and increasing the radius of the bottom face (End Flare). As all handles can be adjusted, I positioned the handle lower to create greater curvature at the bottom and creating a more bottle-like appearance at the top. To add to the model I then extruded the top face upwards and outwards to create a glass head. 

Sine Shape: Deform > nonlinear > Sine

Sine deforms in a wave-like effect. By adjusting the amplitude size and the number of wavelengths of the handle, it creates a wave-like effect that a mesh will follow, with greater curvature linking to the greater amount of edge loops it has. To experiment with the tool, I created a stand/table-like model with the curvature as an aesthetic detail.


Squash Shape: Deform > nonlinear > Squash

'Deforms a geometry by squashing and stretching along an axis.' The squash tool creates a squeezing effect on the geometry, as the handles will press or stretch from the top and bottom. By adjusting the handle downwards, I created a squash deform by pressing the bottom half outwards and rounding out the top of the geometry to create a bowling pin shape. To finalise the model I flattened out the bottom by scaling the vertices so that it stands and added additional textures. 

Twist Shape: Deform > nonlinear > Twist

Deforms a geometry by twisting its shape about a point. Using a Sphere, I used the Twist tool and adjusted the angles to create a spiral shape. The twisting tool can be used to create fan blades for models such as propellers.  

Wave Shape: Deform > nonlinear > Wave

Similar to the Sine tool but instead the handle creates a wave along a different axis, to create mountain or volcano-like geometry from a mesh. In my example, I create a volcano-like geometry from a flat plane mesh. Although the tool is useful, an easier alternative would be to use the soft spot tool by pressing B and adjusting the vertices of the plane to create a more detailed mountain/hill effect. 
 
Lattice

The Lattice tool creates a lattice frame around the geometry. By increasing the number of lattice frames and selecting lattice points, you can begin to manipulate the geometry to create organic shapes.

Lattice can also be used as an effective way of scaling a model to its desired size. By reducing the number of Lattice frames, you can use the lattice points to snap the adjustments to the desired size. This is effective because if you have a model with floating geometry it's easier to use lattice and scale instead of grouping the whole model and using the scaling tool manually. 

Curve Warp

Curve warp works by creating a curve drawing and selecting it with another geometry to make the geometry follow the line path drawn, where the curve drawing asks as the models handle. This tool can be used to create models such as belts.






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