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[DoctorStopMo]

I don't know how feasible this idea is, but I'm just going to throw it out there and hope that there's a script writer that's talented enough to fulfill it.  I'd like a tool where I could draw out a path (not quite like a spline, because I'd like to be able to easily manipulate the points in 3D space, sort of like with the Add Points tool) and then import a chain link object.  The script would take my chain link and create a chain from it along the designated path, alternately rotating the links so that they're at 90 degrees to each other.  It would make building chains (see below) a lot easier:



Anyone think they can manage it?

[headwax]

Wow

So you made this model!

Yowza, that's amazing work.

Sorry I can't write scripts.....

[sciwizeh]

wow that model is awesome

i don't think what you are requesting is possible, not with anim8ors capabilities, i doubt even a pov-ray macro can (don't hold me to that one, there may be one for pov-ray) but in anim8or, no.

sorry, but awesome model!

[bluescreenboy]

That must of taken a long time to model.  Sorry, though, I can't write ASL for beans

[BOB_I_Ts]

Its possible to make alignment script that align and possibly orientate "separate" meshs along bezier curve spline/path ,I think Llyr Carter write a script that generate loft mesh from splines ! ,each mesh would have to have unique name for script to kno which to align !.

[Aarangend]

Two words:
Holy crap.
That looks amazing!!!! Man how did you do that? and how long did it take?  I am really new and I want to build something just like that.  Man I am like drooling!
Oh yeah and I can't help you on the script... sorry.

[Steve]

DoctorStopMo, check out the split functions added in v0.97b  and the script example on the scripts page.  You should be able to make some great chains with these!

[NickE]

Attached below is a script to create chains that follow splines. [Thank you Steve for spline-following ASL ability!].

The script basically creates torii alternating at right angles along the spline.  The parameters of the torii can be changed: the size, width, number of sides, number of segments per torii.  The script currently makes each link a separate mesh to allow easier edits (easily changed if desired).  This editing ability comes in handy if the spline turns more rapidly than the diameter of the link.

Try it out.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[hihosilver]

Fabulous script there NickE!
I have one criticism for you and a request.
Crit:  Every alternating chain link that is created has flipped normals.  Can you fix this?
Request.  Would it be possible to create oblong chain links as well?  Perhaps some kind of option would be available? (that would be awesome)
What you've done already is awesome, so great job.

Edit:
Another thing I noticed is that the script doesn't seem to take into account the thickness or hole size when creating the chain.  So if you create different widths of chains, the chains intersect.  It would be nice if the script did its best to make the chains go through one another.  It wont be possible all the time with certain settings of course, but say the hole were too small for the chain to go through, it would just do the best it could perhaps having it go straight through the center.
Once again, fabulous job so far.

[NickE]

Good catch on the flipped normals, Hihosilver.  The fixed script is attached.  Oblong links will take a little longer since that shape cannot be explicitly described by a parametric equation like a torus.  I'll see what I can do.

[karate5662]

perhaps you could make the link, stretch it, and then rotate it and place it on the spline.

[NickE]

I have fixed the link spacing error.  Read the comments in the script for hints on proper relationships between link thickness and link diameter.

I am still working on how to make an oblong link.

[hihosilver]

You've done a fabulous job!  This is really fabulous.  Keep it up!

[Tanzim]

Um, I think I found another problem:

[kreator]

Thanks Nicke For that fab Script,,, another great way of saving time when modelling!
Tanzim: I think you should try the latest script