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692 Chapter 8: Modifiers
1–729). Use this to simulate soft body motion on a
morphed or otherw ise deform-animated object.
Tip: Af ter applying the Flex modifier to an object
or sub-object selection, cho ose the Flex modifier’s
Center sub-object and use Move to change where
the flex effect is centered.
Tip: Using Flex’s advanced capabilities can
significantly impede real-time playback. In such
cases, use the Point Cache modifier (page 1–758) to
record the vertex animation to disk, and then play
it back using the cache.
The antennae, with the Flex modifier applied, move around like
springs reac ting to the m otion of the c haracter’s head.
Sur fa ces Influenced by the Flex M odifier
• On a mesh surface, the Flex modifier influences
every vertex.
• On a patch surface, the Flex modifier influences
both control points and tangent handles.
Tangent handles are unlocked a nd moved
independentlybytheFlexmodifier.
• OnaNURBSsurface,theFlexmodifier
influences control vertices (CVs) or points.
• On a Spline (shape), the Flex mod ifier
influences both control points and tangent
handles.
• OnanFFDSpaceWarp,theFlexmodifier
influences control points.
Effects
Yo u c a n a p p l y s p a c e w a r p s t o t h e F l e x m o d i f i e r.
For example, you can add Wind to animate plants
and trees, or a waving flag. In such cases, you don’t
need to create keyframes to see the effects; the
space war p alone can animate the surface.
Character Animation
Use Flex above the Skin modifier (page 1–791) to
add secondary motion to a character animated
withBones.Ifyouareusingthe3dsMaxproduct,
useFlexabovethePhysiquemodifiertoadd
secondary motion to a character.
Procedures
Ex ample: To pa int on weights:
1.
Create a sphere on the left side of the Top
view por t.
2. Turn on the Auto Key button and
movethetimeslidertoframe50.
3. In the Top viewport, move the sphere to the
right side of the viewport.
4. Tu r n of f Auto Key.
5. On the Modify panel, click Modifier
List, and then choose Flex.
The Flex modifier is applied to the sphere.
6. Click Play.
ThesphereflexesaroundtheTransformgizmo
evenly.