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I have an array of small cylinders that I would like to wrap around a larger cylinder. Before wrapping, the array looks like this:

enter image description here

Ideally, I would like each cylinder within the array (and the array itself) to follow the contour of the outer cylinder.

I've tried the Shrinkwrap modifier (and placing it as both first and last in the Modifiers list), and setting the Target to the large cylinder.

Within the shrinkwrap modifier, I've tried setting Wrap Method to Project, and I've tried setting Snap Mode to Outside, On Surface, and Outside surface. I've also tried messing with the Offset.

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  • $\begingroup$ it won't work this way but you can use another method to make your array circular, like give it a Simple Deform/Bend $\endgroup$
    – moonboots
    Sep 16, 2021 at 18:38
  • $\begingroup$ … or use a Lattice to deform the cylinders and shrinkwrap the lattice to the surface. $\endgroup$
    – Rich Sedman
    Sep 16, 2021 at 18:42
  • $\begingroup$ ... or a curve modifier after the array modifier where the curve is circle of radius of big cilinder + radius of small. (or the $\endgroup$
    – batFINGER
    Sep 16, 2021 at 19:18

1 Answer 1

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'Borrow' a latitude from your tube. If there isn't one, you can cut it.

  • ShiftD Duplicate a latitude of your tube
  • P separate it to a new object
  • Convert it to a curve
  • It may be smoother if you convert the curve's Spline Type to Bezier, and its handles to 'Automatic'.
  • You may want to scale the curve slightly outwards, if you want your cylinders on the tube's surface

Assuming your small cylinder is sufficiently subdivided along its length to deform..

enter image description here

Give it an Array and Curve modifier, aimed at your latitude-curve.

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  • $\begingroup$ Doh, too Slow. .Was looking at shrinkwrapping circle to big cylinder and off setting by little cyl radius. Much the same tho. $\endgroup$
    – batFINGER
    Sep 16, 2021 at 19:18
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    $\begingroup$ @batFINGER I went for this way because it's more general? .. tree trunks, winding staircases, wounded knees... not everything can be shrunk to :) $\endgroup$
    – Robin Betts ♦
    Sep 16, 2021 at 20:52

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