I was having a problem doing a boolean operation on a couple of objects created with the free form modeler, every time I tried to do it Ray Dream would lock up. I think I know why but I dont know what to do to fix it. I think the reason is that the two objects created in the free form modeler are hollow to begin with and when I try to do a boolean on them like you would on two primitive solid objects, Ray Dream freaks out and shuts down. I am hoping that the solution would be to make the two objects I am working with solid objects and then try to use a boolean operation on them. So my question is this, how do you make a free form object solid all the way through. Thanks.

Actually, RLG, in my experience, it's difficult to get boolean operations to work in RDS. It can be done, but you're likely to get freeze-ups. Here's what I'd suggest. Export your free-form object into the vertex modeller. Subdivide the object to give it more vertecies. This'll give RDS a bit more to work from. Unfortunately, if you don't have a lot of RAM, you run the risk of locking up because you overtax your machine. I have had better luck with booleans on vertex objects, though. Hope this helps.

Not sure what you mean by exporting into the vertex modeler. Do you mean use the jump into new modeler command. If so the only choices I have are to jump into mesh form modeler.

You're right, RLG 1034, the vertex modeler is the mesh form modeler. If you jump into the object in the mesh form modeler, and select all vertices (either with the marquee tool or with the edit/select all command), you can then use the polymesh/subdivide command to create more vertices. The upside is that your boolean operations should work more smoothly, but the downside is that your file size will balloon pretty quickly. Also, converting an object to mesh often makes it difficult to paint with the 3D tools. The shaders should still work fine, but 3D brush strokes will behave strangely. By the way, all objects in RDS are hollow. You can verify this by enlarging an object and then placing your camera inside. This can be used to create some pretty strange effects. I hope that helped. Jim Z. a.k.a. Julian Boolean

In general, try to avoid booleans ! They're not stable, they leave unused vertices everywhere ... Most of the times, there is a modelling technique that would give the same result, but better . Sometimes, there isn't . So RLG1034, if you'd show us what you are trying to achieve, maybe we could think of a modelling workaround if it exists . Boolean ops are like cheddar . Cheddar looks like cheese but ain't cheese, while Boolean ops look like modelling but ain't modelling ! ;) litst

Sorry -- I forget the terminology sometimes. I don't have RDS installed on the machine I use for internet access any more.... But, Jim Z did answer the question. Mesh and Vertex are the same in RDS.... Another odd side-effect of converting to Mesh / Vertex is that sometimes the geometry gets mushy -- some things that were crisp and hard-edged in the free-form modeller become a bit squishy. Hard to describe otherwise, but try it and you'll see. I'm sure there are fidelity settings that would take care of that problem, but I haven't found them. (Not that I've used this operation very often.) Good luck. Let us know how this turns out! - Dex.

After much thought I have come to the conclusion that Ray Dreams SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have never delt with a program that had as many bugs in it as this one. And the fact that I apparently have to dish out another 100.00 or so bucks to upgrade it just so the crashes slow down really chaps my buns. There is no way I'm going to put another penny into this program, it should have worked like it was expected to work when they shipped it the first time. Sorry for the rant, frustration level is very high at the moment. Now if you will excuse me I have to go make a gerble hut out of my RDS CD. Thanks again for all the help guys and gals.

You sound like a Carrara user a couple of months back...hang in there, there is always a solution to your 3D problem, often many. Every program has it's problems, benefits, and drawbacks. Good luck to you! Jared

Problems with boolean operations is not only in Ray Dream. I have used Carrara, Strata Studio Pro, Amapi and Lightwave and had just as many problems with booleans. It's never been technically explained to me but from what I've gleaned, booleans are tough for most every 3D app out there. Also keep in mind that all 3D apps are more complex than 2D apps and in my experience crash more.

Attached Link: http://creafab.free.fr

I've already have this kind of problem on RDS. The solution I found was : - export the meshes into Amapi - operate the boolean operation - re-import into RDS the final mesh from Amapi. Booleans are faster and produce lighter objects than RDS. CREAFab, la crtion numique autrement...