All the steps can be followed using the exact parameter values in the corresponding 3dm and vol files named bb_stx, where x is the step number.

This tutorial is also available as a PDF.

Step 1

Make two intersecting ellipsoids using vEllipsoid from the Volume menu. We will apply blending operations to these initial ellipsoids.

Step 2

Make another ellipsoid intersecting both initial ellipsoids. It will serve as a bounding volume for blending.

Step 3

Select vBlendUnion from the Volume menu. Select two initial ellipsoids, the select the third ellipsoid as the bounding volume object. Press Enter to skip Fitting, then define 0.2 for the Displacement and accept all other default values by pressing enter. The result is the union of two initial ellipsoids with smooth blend with added material in the area of their intersection. The blend is completely located inside the bounding volume.

Step 4

Select the bounding ellipsoid and move it left. The shape of the blend changes and becomes asymmetric accordingly.

Step 5

Select the bounding ellipsoid and move it up such that it encloses only the upper part of the intersection area of two initial ellipsoids.

The blend is localized at the top of two ellipsoids, but not at the bottom.

Step 6

Click on the Bounded Blend Union node in the construction graph, then in its property panel click on the Intersect button, change the Dispacement value to negative and click Apply. The result is the intersection between two initial ellipsoids with upper part of the edge smoothed with the removed material blend.

Step 7

Click on the Bounded Blend Intersection node in the construction graph, then in its property panel click on the Subtract button and click Apply. The result is the subtraction of one initial ellipsoid from another with upper part of the edge smoothed with the removed material blend.

Step 8

Increase the absolute value of the negative displacement. The result is more material removed from the upper part of the shape.

Step 9

Increase the value of the shift from the bounding volume. The blend area becomes more narrow as if it is pushed to the center of the bounding ellipsoid.

Have fun!