Slice

The Effect->Slice command in the Model module allows you to use a grid to perform a Boolean-like slicing operation on a hierarchy. A new model is created consisting of all the portions of the hierarchy on one side of the grid, and also the cross-sectional pieces. These may be merged into the corresponding model pieces, or they may be created in a separate hierarchy. Moreover, the cross-sectional pieces may inherit the materials and textures of the grid or of the models.

With Slice, you can easily obtain cross-sectional views of complicated hierarchies, such as a building or a piece of machinery. Slice does not assign local materials and textures to the results.

Note:

The Slice effect does not work on patch or NURBS objects. Non-polygon mesh objects are replaced by null objects in the resulting hierarchy. To slice through non-polygon mesh objects such as patches or NURBS surfaces, you must first convert them to polygon meshes (choose Effect->Convert).

The Effect->MultiSlice command in Model module lets you slice a hierarchy by slicing many planes at once. The Effects->AnimatedSlice and Effects->MultiAnimatedSlice commands in the Motion module are animated versions of these effects.

Procedure

1. Create a hierarchy and a grid. Either of the models may be animated.
   
   A 1 x 1 cell grid works best as a cutting plane, but the cell size can be as large or as small as you want.
   
   
2. Position the grid as desired to define the cutting plane.
3. Choose the Effect->Slice command in the Model module. The Slice dialogue box is displayed.
4. Set the parameters as desired to define the resulting object.
5. Pick the hierarchy, then pick the grid.

The resulting model is created.

Parameters

Resulting Object

The resulting object may include the cross-sectional portions of the grid in one of three ways:

• Keep Planar Piece Separate: The cross-sectional portions of the grid are placed in a separate hierarchy.
• Merge Planar Piece With Model: The cross-sectional portions of the grid are merged into the corresponding models in the hierarchy. If this option is selected, the cross-sectional pieces are assigned the materials from the models, not the grid.
• Discard Planar Piece: The cross-sectional portions of the grid are discarded.

Resulting Material

• Keep Original Material assigns the material from the grid to the cross-sectional pieces.
• Use Material of Model assigns the material from the models in the hierarchy to the cross-sectional pieces.

Last updated 02-apr-1998