ISurf

 

 

ISurf is a meshing tool for particles and FumeFX smoke/fire simulations. It offers a range of advanced options directly inside 3ds max that allow you to generate smooth surfaces while preserving detail, utilizing features such as the smoothing mask. The smoothing mask, which is based on particle velocities, enables selective smoothing by applying more smoothing where particles have lower velocities and less smoothing where particles have higher velocities. This ensures that fast-moving or high-detail areas retain their sharpness, while slower-moving or stationary regions are smoothed.

 

To create ISurf, go to the Create Command Panel and from the FumeFX menu, select ISurf. Then click and drag in any 3ds Max viewport to create it. When done, you will be presented with a number of options.

 

Particles/FumeFX - From this dialog, select the particles and FumeFX from the scene that you want to use as the base for iso-surface creation.

 

NodeWorks Group RegEx - Use a regular expression to filter NodeWorks particle groups that you want to use. Example: Group.* -  this will use all particles with their name starting with Group, like Group 1, Group 2 etc.

 

Display Icon - Uncheck this option if you do not want the ISurf icon to be displayed inside the viewport..

 

Meshing Mode - There are several methods to create iso surface and each method creates different surface. Zhu-Bridson will generate the smoothest surface, while Anisotropic is the best for meshing water particles.

 

 

 

 

Union of Spheres	Metaballs	Zhu-Bridson	Anisotropic