Inset Chamfer

8 votes

A pair of modifiers, the InsetBySmoothingGroup mcg modifier will inset mesh polygon groups by their smoothing groups, which helps to keep flat surfaces flat smoothed when chamfered instead of the usual mess. Keep in mind that for it to work, the smoothing groups should not be shared, i.e. no polygons that have both smoothing group 1, 2 etc. set. Note that the smoothing group edge borders are split afterwards, if you don't want that, you need to apply a Vertex Weld modifier.

The insetChamferStack MAXScript modifier automates the process of using the InsetBySmoothingGroupmodifier with a Chamfer modifier for a quick and clean rounded edges effect. See it in action:

Inset Chamfer

No longer supported, use the MAXScript version instead.

Additional Info: 

Installation: First, unzip the first file somewhere on your system. Install the .mcg package via Scripting > Install Max Creation Graph (.mcg) Package...

Copy the .ms file to your scripts\startup folder or run as a script if you only want to try it out. If you want to be able to use it from the modifier sets panel, place the .ms file instead inside the stdplugs/stdscripts folder in the 3ds max root folder.

Upon running, the modifier will be available in the modifier stack.

And if you put it inside the stdscripts folder before evaluating it, you can add it to a modifier set for easier accessibility.

Known Issues: If the chamfer amount doesn't seem to do anything or collapses unwanted verts, bump it up or lower it down to compensate for it.
Apparently, in max 2016 it's not guaranteed that the script/mcg graph will work. If in doubt, ensure that you have SP3 installed and try it. See comments below for further details.

3ds Max Version Requirement: 
2016
AttachmentSize
InsetBySmoothingGroup.zip33.27 KB
InsetChamferStackSimple.ms -- Most probably you want to use this one1.65 KB
InsetChamferStack.ms - More parameters, more risky, cannot be used in stdplugs3.24 KB

Comments

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ZangRT's picture

good

2018

monah62rus's picture
Swordslayer's picture

 

Well, if you set the Inset amount to any other value than zero, it will go away, that's the whole point of insetting first. Anyway feel free to switch to the MAXScript version instead, I no longer support this one.

FaustoDeMartini's picture

Can you add Quadify Mesh in the stack?

Awesome script!

I ran into an issue which makes some boolean operations not appear since the mesh has no holding faces. I fixed that by adding a Quadify Mesh modifier. Would be awesome if you could add that as an option unless you have another solution :)

Images of the issue and how I fixed are attached.

Thanks!

AttachmentSize
insertchamfer.jpg 1.49 MB
MadSamoan's picture

I have the same issue as

I have the same issue as well.

Swordslayer's picture

It needs MCG, which was introduced in max 2016

And the simpleMeshMod I'd use if writing it in pure maxscript was introduced in max 2016 as well. That said, I might just as well do the maxscript version, too, as the mcg installation experience proved to quite haunting...

poinball's picture

Install problem 3DSMAX 2014

Same problem here on MAX 2014 .. Seems not compatible .. :(

3dsMaxDude's picture

it works!

Okay just letting you know that the problem I had mentioned below (couldn't edit my post) is still valid for 3Ds Max 2016 but in 2017 it works without a problem. Thanks again, this is an amazing plugin!

c0mpani0ncube's picture

i've noticed something. when

i've noticed something. when i start a Max session i get the same error you are describing in this image http://i.imgur.com/anrYLDt.png

if i then go to maxscript and run the insetchamferstack.ms script.
then the insetchamferstack works for that session, but if i start a new session the same problem occurs.

3dsMaxDude's picture

Installation problem

Hi Swordslayer! Thank you for making this amazing looking modifier.
Could you help pointing me into the right direction?

When installing the mcg file it tells me that there's an operator missing called BevelPoly http://i.imgur.com/gbfFcK2.png

After restarting Max and clicking on the Modifier List drop down this pops up:
http://i.imgur.com/anrYLDt.png

I have the 2016 version of Max and I also tried installing your "Inset/Bevel/Extrude Poly" thinking that this might add the missing BevelPoly but I can't install these either without getting an error message.

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