Creates a surface from a rectilinear network of curves. The surface interpolates all the curves.
Curves must intersect as in the first of the pictures below.
We encourage you to use MetaCURVES as they offer more control over curves intersections. In order to be precise in placing the points, you are also recommended to enable snapping to grid when using this modeling tool. Snap to point can also be useful if you prefer to place points working in the Perspective view.
W. Gordon was the developer of this surfacing technique, which can be considered a generalization of Coons patches.
How to use
1. Click the Curves network icon or choose the Tools > Surfaces > Curves network command.
2. The program console prompts Select curves direction 1.
3. Select all the curves, sequentially from first to last, in one direction. Once picked, the curves turn green. After selecting the last curve, press Spacebar.
4. The program console prompts Select curves direction 2.
5. Select all the curves in the other direction. Once picked, the curves turn green. After selecting the last curve, press Spacebar.
When you pick the last curve, the surface is displayed.
Note I: While there is not a maximum number of curves you can use in the network, the minimum is 3 in each direction.
Note II: The Construction Tree allows you to modify any curve of the network as long as intersections between curves are respected.
Options
Remove
To remove curves from the network. Removed curves are not deleted from the scene.
Views / Modeling Tool panel. Select the surface by picking it. Choose the curves you want to remove from one of the two lists (Curves Dir #1 and Curves Dir #2). Press the Remove button.
Insert
To add new curves to the network of curves
Views / Modeling Tool panel. Switch the Insert check button on and pick the curves you want to use in the scene.
Dir1 Order
Dir2 Order
To control the surface smoothness in each direction.
Modeling Tool panel. Set the value either by moving the slider or by typing it in the data field and pressing Enter.
See also:
3sides to create a surface blended between three boundary curves.
Coons to create a surface blended between four boundary curves.