Subdivision Surface Modelling

Subdivision modelling involves techniques where the surface polygons are subdivided into more faces without changing the overall shape of the object. This is usually done to smooth a model.

3DS Max has a number of features which achieve this. The one we have used in class is with the smooth modifier or NURBS.

NURBS, which stands for Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines, is an industry standard for designing and modeling surfaces. It is particularly suitable for modeling surfaces with complex curves. We typically apply a NURBS modifier to our models to make them smoother and more organic. When NURBS is applied an iteration is used to specifiy the number of subdivisions. Higher iterations give a smoother surface but the number of polygons is increased.

The OpenSubdiv modifier works together with the CreaseSet and Crease modifiers to provide subdivision and smoothing with optional creasing.

GUID-B3C4F025-54EC-4456-8384-2C3FF92297B4.png
OpenSubdiv modifier with Iterations = 0, 1, 2, 3 (left to right), with creasing applied along the centerline

The HSDS modifier provides hierarchical subdivision surfaces, which you can use to add fine detail to an object.

You will find more information on subdivision modelling at https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/3ds-max/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2019/ENU/3DSMax-Modeling/files/GUID-CB7FD47E-D809-429C-98D3-20CB56B72EBF-htm.html

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