Description:
Sweep objects allow you to sweep any shape along a spline. This is useful for creating objects like rubber bands, belts, electrical cords, cables, etc.
To create an Sweep Object with NURBS:
Step 1: We need to have a spline shape to sweep along a spline path. For the purposes of this example, we are going to use a shape similar to the one shown on the left to simulate a common electrical cable.
Step 2: For this spline, go to objects menu and choose Spline Object. Double click on the spline object icon in the Object Manager. You have several different types of splines from which to choose. For the purposes of this tutorial, leave the spline type at Bezier and check the box close spline. For a more detailed explanation of the different types of Splines and options in the dialog window, please refer to your CINEMA 4D XL manual.
Step 3: Change to the front view and use the Points Tool to add points to this bezier spline by control clicking. You should use the front view because the Z-axis of the spline will point along the path to define the sweep. You can click and drag to add bezier handles to these points which will allow you to shape your spline. Be sure you have the Move button activated.
Step 4: Now we need to create a second path and sweep our outline along it. Create a new Empty Spline and create a shape using the Points Tool as before. Now we must create a Sweep NURBS. This can be found on the file menu (Objects=>NURBS=>Sweep NURBS). It is important that you put the splines on the Sweep NURBS in the correct order. First you must put the sweep path on the nurbs, in this case the path is our empty spline. Next we must place our shape on our Sweep NURBS. In this case, it is the spline we created called Outline. Now you should have a pipe-like object that follows the path of your empty spline.
Step 5: If necesssary, you can still go back and tweak your model by re-selecting the Points Tool and moving the points of your spline. You can even add new points at any time, if needed.
