Came across Lux's Triply Twisted Torus tutorial ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks5y4iVe5lI ), and saw that wonderous procedural topology panel that max has. Anyone know if that effect is possible with Blender by using either built-in methods or addons?

I did try a wireframe modifier method I came across, but I wasn't fond of the results.

Hi, Vaskania. Yes, it's possible in Blender as well, although it does require a bit more work. The procedural topology tool in 3dsmax adjusts the edges of a model based on various mathematical algorithms. Blender doesn't have a specific tool or addon which can do this, but the same mathematical modifications can be done through the combination of certain modifiers as well. I had experimented with this a while back, but never got around to making a Blender translation tutorial for this object unfortunately.

This torus was created using a combination of modifiers to create a honeycomb pattern (the same kind of pattern used in that 3dsmax video). This is one of several techniques using modifier stacking in Blender to produce this result from a given topology. There's barely any actual modeling required in either case, just combining specific modifiers to achieve the desired edge flow pattern.

Another example of how to achieve a honeycomb pattern using standard modeling techniques can be found in this tutorial:

Jump to about 31:11 of this video. That's where the technique actually begins for creating a very similar effect in the mesh.The same technique can be used on just about any surface shape, without too much difficulty.

I had planned on coming out with a series new tutorials for Blender covering some techniques in the videos I had done early on in 3dsmax, but just never got around to doing them yet. Also, TokiFX is an excellent modeler and Blender user who has translated many of my 3dsmax video tutorials, with my permission, to Blender on his channel. On the downside, his videos play at double speed, and there isn't any audio narration to his videos. Also, I don't think he's translated this tutorial.

I recommend using the technique demonstrated in the Sphericon Pendant tutorial above. As mentioned, it can also be done without much effort by stacking modifiers, but you lose control over the density of the result, and also need to start with a much higher resolution mesh for the modifiers to work properly on the topology. Using the manual edge scale/removal technique, you can create the honeycomb / hive pattern on just about any shape, with more predictable results.

Thank you! That seemed easy enough. I followed along with that bit using a subdivided rectangle. Throw on a simple deform set to bend and it works nicely as a window cutout too. lol

Nice stuff! There's some darn good tips in your vids, lux. Always amazes me that all your 3dsmax stuff so far has been possible in Blender too.

Wow! I don't know what it is but I want one in shiny blue!

I just noticed there is a honeycomb object in the mesh extras addon! This is a mesh version of exactly the shape you get in lux's tutorials. Could this somehow be used to create the shape you need? Seems like the model could be duplicated or tiled along a path, then use bend on it to get a hoop or ring shape.