3ds Max 2012 Bible - Kelly L. Murdock [143]
FIGURE 11.21
The Spherify modifier can fatten up a crocodile.
Squeeze modifier
The Squeeze modifier takes the points close to one axis and moves them away from the center of the object while it moves other points toward the center to create a bulging effect. Squeeze parameters include Amount and Curve values for Axial Bulge and Radial Squeeze, and Limits and Effect Balance settings.
The Effect Balance settings include a Bias value, which changes the object between the maximum Axial Bulge or the maximum Radial Squeeze. The Volume setting increases or decreases the volume of the object within the modifier's gizmo.
Axial Bulge is enabled with an Amount value of 0.2 and a Curve value of 2.0 in the left hammer in Figure 11.22; the middle hammer has also added Radial Squeeze values of 0.4 and 2.0; and the right hammer has an Upper Limit value of 8.
Twist modifier
The Twist modifier deforms an object by rotating one end of an axis in one direction and the other end in the opposite direction. Twist parameters include Angle and Bias values, a Twist Axis, and Limits.
The Angle value is the amount of twist in degrees that is applied to the object. The Bias value causes the twists to bunch up near the Pivot Point (for negative values) or away from the Pivot Point (for positive values).
FIGURE 11.22
The Squeeze modifier can bulge or squeeze along two different axes.
The left hammer in Figure 11.23 shows a twist angle of 120 about the Z-axis, the middle hammer shows a Bias value of 20, and the right hammer has an Upper Limit value of 8.
FIGURE 11.23
The Twist modifiers can twist an object about an axis.
Taper modifier
The Taper modifier scales one end of an object. The tapered end is the end opposite the Pivot Point. Taper parameters include the Amount and Curve, Primary and Effect Axes, and Limits. The Amount value defines the amount of taper applied to the affected end. The Curve value bends the taper inward (for negative values) or outward (for positive values). You can see the curve clearly if you look at the modifier's gizmo. For example, you can create a simple vase or a bongo drum with the Taper modifier and a positive Curve value.
The Primary Axis defines the axis about which the taper is applied. The Effect axis can be a single axis or a plane, and the options change depending on your Primary Axis. This defines the axis or plane along which the object's end is scaled. For example, if the Z-axis is selected as the Primary Axis, then selecting the XY Effect plane scales the object equally along both the X-axis and the Y-axis. Selecting the Y Effect axis scales the end only along the Y-axis. You can also select a Symmetry option to taper both ends equally. Taper limits work just like the Bend modifier.
The left hammer in Figure 11.24 shows a taper of 1.0 about the Z-axis; the middle hammer has a Curve value of –2; and the right hammer has the Symmetry option selected.
FIGURE 11.24
The Taper modifier can proportionally scale one end of an object.
Tutorial: Creating a yo-yo
The Taper modifier can be used to create a variety of simple objects quickly, such as a yo-yo.
To create a yo-yo using the Taper modifier, follow these steps:
1. Select Create⇒Standard Primitives⇒Sphere, and drag in the Front viewport to create a sphere object.
2. With the sphere object selected, choose Modifiers⇒Parametric Deformers⇒Taper to apply the Taper modifier. Set the Taper Amount to 4.0 about the Primary Z-Axis and XY as the Effect plane, and enable the Symmetry option.
Figure 11.25 shows the resulting yo-yo; just add a string.
Substitute modifier
The Substitute modifier lets you place an object in the scene and substitute it with a higher-resolution object during render time. The substitute object may come from the scene or from an XRef file. To remove the