Lattice Workflow: Lattices from Mesh

Before reading this article, it is recommended to read Introduction to the New Lattice Workflow, as this will build on top of those new concepts. This article will introduce the new Lattice from Mesh blocks and give an example of how each of them works. 

 Note: Download the example file to follow along with first hand.

Lattice Body from Volume Mesh

This block allows you to create a lattice from a Volume Mesh, with control over the method and thickness. You can also toggle if the surface of the mesh is converted into a lattice as well. 

Lattice Body from Surface Mesh

Similarly to Lattice Body from Volume Mesh, this block will create a lattice from the mesh, but only along the surface. This block is similar to the current block, Surface Mesh, but adds an input for Thickness as well. 

In the example file, test out all the different settings for these two blocks. Change the thickness, and try adding a Ramp to edit it. Import your own mesh to see how it works. 

Merge Lattice Bodies

Merge Lattice Bodies allows you to merge multiple lattices together into a single lattice. Vertices, within a tolerance determined by the Distance threshold, are collapsed into a single vertex. The Thickness field will override the thickness determined in the separate lattice bodies. 

In the example file, edit the values of the distance threshold to see the results on the lattice. 

Trim Lattice Body

This block will trim a lattice body using an implicit volume input. This block is similar to the current Trim Lattice block, but adds the option 'Rounded Edges'. When toggled on, this will round out the edges of the cut beams. Keep in mind that this rounding will happen in the trimmed space. Note the difference in the image below.

Test this out in the example file, and drag in the different volumes to trim the lattice.