SCI-FI Cylinder: EXTRUDE
SCI-FI Cylinder: EXTRUDE
Embedded Files
Extrude is a powerful tool. You need to master it.
Extrude is a powerful tool. You need to master it.
SCI-FI WHATCHAMACALLIT: MASTERING THE EXTRUDE TOOL
SCI-FI WHATCHAMACALLIT: MASTERING THE EXTRUDE TOOL
Project Goal
Project Goal
Create an EXTREMELY DETAILED 3D object using primarily the Extrude Tool and polygon modeling techniques in Maya. Your object does not need to be a real product or machine. Instead, it should appear as though it could exist in a futuristic world. Think of it as a mysterious piece of advanced technology, mechanical equipment, engine component, drone part, power core, weapon attachment, spacecraft component, or some other unknown device. A successful model looks functional, engineered, and believable, even if nobody knows its exact purpose.
For inspiration I suggest Googling Sci-Fi cylinder models . . .
Extreme Detail Required
Extreme Detail Required
The primary objective is DETAIL.
Your final model should contain:
Panels
Vents
Grooves
Mechanical cutouts
Bolted sections
Ridges
Indents
Mechanical layering
Surface complexity
Repeating industrial patterns
You should avoid large flat surfaces whenever possible.
First, create a complex and highly detailed "Whatchamacallit." The object does not need to represent anything specific, but it should look like a real part of a machine, vehicle, robot, drone, or futuristic technology. Focus on creating the illusion of function through layers, panels, vents, grooves, cutouts, and mechanical details. The viewer should believe it has a purpose, even if nobody knows what that purpose is.
Next class, we will add materials and begin making our models look more realistic. This model is your final project goal, but I will explain the next steps and new techniques during our next class. For now, focus on creating as much detail as possible.
Before You Begin: Adjust Your Selection Settings - Select Faces with Center
Before You Begin: Adjust Your Selection Settings - Select Faces with Center
Open Preferences and enable Select Faces with Center.
This setting makes it easier to identify and select individual faces, including faces that may be hidden behind other geometry.
It also improves face selection while working in orthographic views (Front, Side, and Top), making detailed modeling much more efficient.
Once enabled, continue building your model with a focus on adding complexity, depth, and mechanical detail.
Important: This setting should remain active throughout the project to help you accurately select and edit faces during the modeling process.
Turn on Face Centers
Turn on Infinite Undo
Select one or more faces on your model.
Click Edit Mesh → Extrude or press Ctrl + E.
Use the Move Tool to pull the new face outward or inward.
Use the Scale Tool to make the extrusion larger or smaller.
Repeat the process to add detail, create shapes, and build mechanical features.
Tips:
Extrude small amounts often to create more detail.
Combine moving and scaling after each extrusion for interesting shapes.
Avoid stretching faces too far.
Use multiple extrusions to create panels, vents, grooves, ridges, and other sci-fi details.
Goal: Use the Extrude Tool to transform a simple shape into a complex, highly detailed object that looks like it could be part of a real machine or futuristic technology.
Key Tools & Skills for Adding Detail
Key Tools & Skills for Adding Detail
Mesh Tools → Insert Edge Loop
Use Edge Loops to:
Add detail to flat surfaces
Create sharper edges
Prepare areas for future extrusions
Divide large faces into smaller working areas
Tip: If a face is too large or plain, add edge loops before extruding.
Mesh Tools → Multi-Cut
Use Multi-Cut to:
Create custom shapes
Add panel lines
Create mechanical cutouts
Split large faces into smaller sections
Tip: Think of Multi-Cut as a way to "draw" new geometry onto your model.
Mesh Tools → Offset Edge Loop
Use Offset Edge Loop to:
Create support edges
Add borders around details
Sharpen corners
Define mechanical features
Tip: Great for creating sci-fi paneling and industrial designs.
Edit Mesh → Extract
Use Extract to:
Create separate parts
Build layered mechanical sections
Add overlapping armor plates
Create floating details
Tip: Real machines are made from many parts. Extract helps your model feel engineered.
Mesh → Fill Hole
Use Fill Hole whenever:
A face is accidentally deleted
An opening needs to be closed
Geometry becomes incomplete
Mesh → Smooth
Use Smooth to:
Round off shapes
Create organic curves
Refine your forms
Increase the number of polygons to create a smoother, higher-resolution model
Important: Smooth Preview vs. Smooth
Smooth Preview (3 key): Temporarily displays what your model would look like if it were smoothed. This does not add geometry and does not permanently change your model.
Actual Smooth (Mesh → Smooth): Permanently adds geometry and increases the polygon count of your model.
Keyboard Shortcuts
1 = Original Mesh
2 = Original Mesh + Smooth Preview
3 = Smooth Preview
Tip: Use Smooth Preview (3) frequently while modeling to check how your object will look when smoothed. Only use Mesh → Smooth when you are confident that your model is finished and ready for more geometry.
Professional Workflow: Most artists model using Smooth Preview and apply Mesh → Smooth near the end of the project. Before smoothing, make sure your model has enough supporting edges and details to maintain sharp corners and important features.
Delete Edge/Vertex
Delete Edge/Vertex
Edit Mesh → Delete Edge/Vertex Shortcut: Ctrl + Delete
Use this tool to:
Remove unnecessary edges
Clean up geometry
Simplify complex areas
Important: Do not simply press Delete. Use Delete Edge/Vertex to remove both the edge and its associated vertices.
Create a complicated "Whatchamacallit". Make it look like a "real" part of something. But it does not have to have a real purpose.
This is our final goal, but I will explain the 'new' steps next class.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse