Using the Sweep Modifier

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In this lesson, you learn how to use the Sweep modifier to extrude a shape along a path. This can be very useful for creating baseboards, piping layouts and duct work. Although these examples sound like typical cases for the Loft tool, the Sweep modifier achieves the same results with an easier workflow, especially if you do not need all the functionality that the Loft tool has to offer.

Set up the lesson:

From the \tutorials\scene_management folder, open balcony_sweep.max.

The scene is of a covered balcony. You will use the Sweep modifier to add a baseboard and a wooden ledge to the balcony wall.

Creating the wooden ledge on the balcony wall:

Right-click in the User viewport to activate it.
Click the Maximize Viewport Toggle button to maximize the User viewport.
On the main toolbar, click the Snaps Toggle button to activate it.
Right-click the Snaps Toggle button to access the Grid and Snaps Settings dialog. Activate the Midpoint option and disable all others. Close the dialog when done.
From the Create panel, click the Shapes button, and then click on Line.
Draw a line on top of the wall by snapping to the midpoints of the three segments that define the thickness of the wall, going from left to right.
With the line still selected, go to the Modify panel.
From the Modifier drop-down list, choose Sweep.

The spline is replaced by an object that has an L-shaped cross section.
Zoom on the new object in the Left viewport.
On the Modify panel, in the Section Type rollout, select each of the presets from the Built-in Section list.
Choose the Bar preset. It is simply a rectangular cross-section that defaults to a square.
In the Sweep Parameters rollout, click the bottom center alignment point to properly align the rail on top of the wall. If you want, experiment with the other alignment points to see their effect.
In the Parameters rollout, set Length to 2”, Width to 10” and Corner Radius to 0.2”.
Press M to open the Material Editor.
Select the material named Oak Moldings and assign it to the bar cross-section.

If a warning appears, click OK to replace the existing material.

Creating the baseboard:

Make sure the User viewport is active and then press Alt+W to maximize the User viewport.
On the main toolbar, right-click the Snaps Toggle button. In the Grid and Snap Settings dialog, turn on Endpoint and turn off Midpoint. Close the dialog when done.
From the Create panel, click the Shapes button, and then click on Line.
Create a line at the base of the wall, snapping the three endpoints along the inside perimeter, going from left to right.
With the line still selected, go to the Modify panel.
From the Modifier drop-down list, choose Sweep. The spline is replaced by an object that has a square cross section as before. The Alignment point is also retained from the last Sweep object you created (mid-center).
Press Alt+W to toggle back to a four-viewport layout.
Zoom on the new object in the left view. On the Modify panel, in the Section Type rollout, choose the Use Custom Section option.

The square cross-section disappears in the viewport.
In the Custom Section Types group, choose Pick.
In the Left viewport, select the object that is shaped like the profile of a baseboard.

A new sweep is performed but the baseboard is oriented the wrong way and its alignment is off.
In the Sweep Parameters rollout, enable the Mirror on XZ Plane option and set the Alignment point to the bottom right corner.
In the Material Editor apply the Oak Moldings material to the newly created object.

Creating Real-World Materials and Mapping

Using the Sweep Modifier

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