how do you create an invalid mesh?

[ToddD]

I think a valid mesh is closed, no open holes. What are you trying to achieve? I think I may have read this in another forum nearly 2 weeks ago, and my advice stands, avoid booleans for complex meshes. Maybe post a pic so we can see what you are working with. Good luck!


:thumbsup:

[RealThing]

A good way to find the problems in a mesh is to use an STL check modifier.

[Boxsmiley]

Thanks Tbonz i will post a pic soon, RealThing i actually do use STL checker, and i find that i have no errors except in the open edges department. Is there a way Max can fix this automatically. I mean there is about 800 or so errors and i would hate to do that all manually! :shame: So maybe there is a technique or utility that can help me get rid of all those open edges quickely and efficently, or atleast reduce it to around 100 or so. Thanks for the help! :)

[RealThing]

Well correcting mesh problems is very situation dependent. So depending on the situation their may or may not be an automatic fix. In some cases selecting all the verts and welding with a small tolllerance can correct these issues. Other case a cap hole modifier may do the trick.

[grambo]

Try a plugin called Power Boolean (I think that's what it's called!) It does a much better job than the standard Boolean (I think based off of an algorithm from Nendo?).

[ToddD]

I for 1 disagree with recommending a costly plug-in as a substitute for proper modeling. In a studio environment you may not have the luxury of having the plug-in, stick to traditional means IMO.

[grambo]

I agree with you about not relying on third party plugins. Often its not in the budget for your production. The question you have to ask yourself is this. The plugin costs $195 US. How much time does it save you?

I guess it depends on how long it takes you to fix your models in labour costs.

Up to you!

[ToddD]

My thought is that what is trying to be achieved can be done through conventional methods. A good foundation will negate the need for the plug. I have tried the Powerboolean demo, good for unsmoothed meshes, but, while it did produce good results for smoothed meshes, the poly count was pretty heavy to achieve a good result IMO. I'm not against purchasing a plug-in, but for me at least, I am confident that I can model whatever I need, and do so in a more poly efficient manner.:beer:

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