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Last Change: 2025-08-27 #dba #JT

Add dfenv sphe_add_dfenv

At sharp corners in your design, there may be insufficient space to generate the Spherene structure. The figure below shows an example using the envelope of a triangular prism. An empty region appears near the blue arrow in Figure a. To resolve this, use the sphe_add_dfenv tool to ensure the Spherene structure is generated even at sharp edges, as demonstrated in Figure b.

(a) Spherene generated from a triangular prism envelope before and (b) after using the **sphe_add_dfenv** tool. The blue arrows, the orange envelope, and the gray envelope represent the region near the sharp edge, the original envelope, and the **df_env** envelope, respectively.

The logic of this tool is as follows: it first generates a Spherene structure based on the user-defined df_env envelope, illustrated by the larger gray envelope in Figure b. It then trims the structure using the original orange envelope, producing a Spherene form that fits the original shape while ensuring sufficient material at sharp edges.

Usage​

Use modifier mesh to define and generate spherene, then trim with env: (1) control the outer spherene appearance (larger object), and/or (2) ignore details (simplified geometry)

Workflow​

This video shows the workflow of how to use this tool (Made in older version, concept still applies to V2).

The general workflow of the sphe_add_dfenv tool is as follows:

  • Create a df_env envelope.
  • Click the tool button UI button for df_env, then select the df_env envelope and press Enter. You can choose to generate a copy of this envelop in the pop-up window (for Mac users) or in the command line (for Windows users).
  • Click the compute button UI button for compute, then select Solid Surface to start the computation.

The following figure shows a comparison of the rendered Spherene structures before and after using the sphe_add_dfenv tool. This tool enables the generation of Spherene structures even near sharp corners.

Comparison of the rendered Spherene structures (a) before and (b) after using the **sphe_add_dfenv** tool.

Comparison of the rendered Spherene structures (a) before and (b) after using the sphe_add_dfenv tool.

You can download this example file here.

tip

You can combine this tool with other tools, such as sphe_add_field_point, to increase density near sharp corners and ensure sufficient material in those regions.

tip

In rare cases, computations may fail due to mesh Boolean issues (e.g., when dfenv is involved), even though our Boolean algorithm is among the most robust available. These issues can typically be resolved by adjusting the density value or slightly moving or enlarging the dfenv. If the problem persists, we encourage you to contact us directly, and we will assist you with your specific case.

Specifications​

  • Only one dfenv can exist per project
  • Simplified shape completely encompassing env (Can not intersect env).
  • Used to grow ADMS further outside of the env to vary the target connection angle from being perpendicular to arbitrary, resulting in different looks.

Examples​

Without dfenv: Volcano

With dfenv: Spiderweb