Framework

Functionality

This node generates framework / construction carcass-like structure (fr. ferme) from a flat mesh that defines construction profile. That profile can be extruded along one of coordinate axis (“orientation axis”), or along custom curve.

In custom curve mode, to generate framework’s lengthswise crossbars, each vertex of profile mesh is extruded along the specified curve. One can provide specific curve for each profile mesh vertex.

In “orientation axis” mode (the default one), to generate framework’s lengthswise crossbars, each vertex of profile mesh is extruded along the specified axis. Number of vertices to generate from one vertex of profile mesh can be specified for each vertex.

Generated vertices are then connected by transverse edges. Each vertex is connected to several vertices of the neighbour lengthwise crossbars. Number of transverse edges to originate from each vertex, and maximum possible length of transverse edge, can be specified for each vertex of profile mesh.

If number of transverse edges and maximum length of transverse edge is high enough, then transverse edges can intersect, so more complex structure is generated.

NB: to generate “Frame” output, standard Blender’s “fill holes” function is used. It can behave somewhat unexpected when the vertex of profile mesh is connected to more than two other vertices.

Inputs

This node has the following inputs:

• Vertices. Vertices of the profile mesh. This input is mandatory.

• Edges. Edges of the input mesh. This input is mandatory.

• Curve. The curve along which the vertices of profile mesh should be extruded in order to make lengthswise crossbars. This input consumes a list of lists of vertices - one list of vertices per each vertex of the profile mesh. This input is visible and is mandatory in case the Z Mode parameter is set to Curve.

• Offset. Offset of the first vertex in the lengthwise crossbar, in units of Step input. This input can consume a list of values, one value per profile mesh vertex. This input can be also provided as a parameter. The default value is 0.0. This input is visible only when Z Mode parameter is set to Axis.

• Step. Step of vertices generation along the lengthswise crossbars (i.e. the length of lengthswise edges). This input can consume a list of values, one value per profile mesh vertex. This input can be also provided as a parameter. The default value is 1.0. This input is visible only when Z Mode parameter is set to Axis.

• Connections. Maximum number of neighbour lengthwise crossbar vertices each vertex can be connected to. This input can consume a list of values, one value per profile mesh vertex. This input can be also provided as a parameter. The default value is 1.

• Max Distance. Maximum length of the traverse edges. This input can consume a list of values, one value per profile mesh vertex. This input can be also provided as a parameter. The default value is 1.

• Count. Number of vertices on the lengthwise crossbars to generate. This input can consume a list of values, one value per profile mesh vertex. This input can be also provided as a parameter. The default value is 10. This input is visible only if Len Mode parameter is set to Count.

• Length. Length of lengthwise crossbars. This input can consume a list of values, one value per profile mesh vertex. This input can be also provided as a parameter. The default value is 10. This input is visible only if Len Mode parameter is set to Length.

Parameters

This node has the following parameters:

• Z Mode. Mode of lengthwise crossbars generation. The following values are available:

  • Axis. The vertices of the profile mesh will be extruded along one of the coordinate axis.

  • Curve. The vertices of the profile mesh will be extruded along the specified curve.

  The default value is Axis.

• Orientation axis. The axis along which the vertices of profile mesh should be extruded. The available values are X, Y, and Z. The default value is Z. This parameter is visible only when the Z Mode parameter is set to Axis.

• Len Mode. The mode of lengthwise crossbars lengths definition. The available values are:

  • Count. Crossbars length is defined by the value of Step input multiplied by the value of the Count input, plus the value of the Offset input multiplied by the value of the Step input.

  • Length. Crossbars length is defined by the value of the Length input.

  The default value is Count.

• Basis. Whether to generate additional vertices to make all lengthwise crossbars of the same length. This parameter is visible only if the Z Mode parameter is set to Axis. Unchecked by default.

Outputs

This node has the following outputs:

• Vertices. Output mesh vertices.

• Edges. Output mesh edges.

• Faces. Output mesh faces.

Examples of usage

Simple example:

An example with intersecting traverse edges:

Example of using different steps for different crossbars:

Example of Curve mode use: