by Didik Wijaya

Modeling a flat 3D puzzle in 3ds max is very easy. You can just draw using Spline and apply Extrude modifier and it's done. But, what if you want to create a spherical 3D puzzle using 3ds max like image below? You may suddenly have a headache when your client wants you to create this kind of model. But in this tutorial I will tell you a secret. Actually it's very easy. With simple tricks explained in this tutorial you can create this object within minutes. Like I did.

This is what you are going to create:

1. First, I need to create a puzzle piece. I create it using a simple plane. I convert the plane into Editable Poly. Using several poly modeling techniques then I model the puzzle piece.

In previous tutorial I already explained a lot about poly modeling techniques. So, I won't tell much about how to do it. If you still don't understand, please read our previous tutorials. There are many of them

2. Using the same technique, I create other puzzle pieces (left image below). Next step, I clone the puzzle pieces to create one tall vertical 2D puzzle composition (right image below). I make the tip at bottom and top a little bit different. They have longer segments.

You can download this 2D puzzle pieces here (ZIP). This file also contains sample of finished spherical 3D puzzle.You can continue this tutorial by opening "sphericalpuzzle_start.max".

Next, you will modify this 2D puzzle into 3D.

Modeling A Spherical 3D Puzzle Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Any question or comments regarding this tutorial should be sent to:
Didik Wijaya, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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