How to Slice a 3D Object?
January 14, 2010 10:17 AM
How can I get "slices" of a 3D rendered object?
Here's what I want to do: render an object in a 3D modeling program, then generate an animation of "slices" of that object, as if being run through a real-time CT Scan. Something like this animation of the inside of a pig's head. (Warning: links to an animation of the inside of a pig's head.)
I'd be creating the original 3D model myself. What software would I need to make this whole thing happen? Bonus points for OS X software, cheap software, or open source software.
Here's what I want to do: render an object in a 3D modeling program, then generate an animation of "slices" of that object, as if being run through a real-time CT Scan. Something like this animation of the inside of a pig's head. (Warning: links to an animation of the inside of a pig's head.)
I'd be creating the original 3D model myself. What software would I need to make this whole thing happen? Bonus points for OS X software, cheap software, or open source software.
In most 3D programs I have used, I implement that effect as follows:
-Model the important item
-Make a large primitive of some form (let's just say it is a cube, bigger than the important item)
-Subtract the cube from the important item
-Now, if you move the cube around, you can see how it creates a cross section of the main item when any of its faces intersect it.
In general, these slices are called cross-sections. That knowledge might help you find whatever commands or tutorials you might need in whatever program you end up using.
Good luck!
posted by milqman at 11:44 AM on January 14, 2010
-Model the important item
-Make a large primitive of some form (let's just say it is a cube, bigger than the important item)
-Subtract the cube from the important item
-Now, if you move the cube around, you can see how it creates a cross section of the main item when any of its faces intersect it.
In general, these slices are called cross-sections. That knowledge might help you find whatever commands or tutorials you might need in whatever program you end up using.
Good luck!
posted by milqman at 11:44 AM on January 14, 2010
Awesome, Sacapuntas, that's just what I'm looking for. If anyone else knows similar tutorials for other programs, I'd love to see them, but now I've got someplace to start.
posted by lore at 5:23 PM on January 14, 2010
posted by lore at 5:23 PM on January 14, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Lifeson at 10:24 AM on January 14, 2010