Digital Media Concepts/Shrinkwrapping

Shrinkwrapping is a technique used in 3D modelling to conform mesh onto the surface of an object.

A sphere (located between the eyes) being wrapped onto the surface of a 3D model

Functionality

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Shrinkwrapping functions by moving the vertices of a 3D object to positions that correspond with the surface of another object.[1] The method of identifying surface points varies, but tends to align with the strategies covered below.

Projection Methods

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  • The vertices of the shrinkwrap object are projected along an axis until they touch the surface of the target object.[1] Vertices that are projected onto an angled portion of the target object will not be accurately located, resulting in a "crumpled" appearance.[2]
  • The vertices of the shrinkwrap object are unfolded and mapped to the UV surfaces of the target object.[3] This application of shrinkwrapping reads the target object as a flat surface, accurately representing the dimensions of the shrinkwrap object on the curved surface of the target object.
  • The vertices of the shrinkwrap object are snapped to the closest vertices on the target object.[1]

Utilization in Rigging

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Shrinkwrapping is used in the animation workflow as a method of conforming flexible mesh to a guide surface.[4]

Skin Sliding

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Shrinkwrapping can be used to project a 'skin' mesh onto a similarly proportioned body mesh.[4]

When the vertices of the skin are moved, they will emulate real skin by sliding over the surface of the body mesh.

Attaching Accessories

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Shrinkwrapping can be used to attach a piece of mesh to the surface of an object.[4]

This application of shrinkwrapping can be used to apply flexible, profile-conforming decorations to an object.

Utilization in Mesh Creation

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Shrinkwrapping is used in the modelling workflow as a method of creating simplified topology.[4]

Retopology

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Shrinkwrapping can be used to conform a subdivided surface to the profile of a high-resolution mesh.[5]

This use of shrinkwrapping creates a simplified replica of the source mesh, aiding in the process of retopology.

Capturing Detail

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Shrinkwrapping can be used to emboss the details of a high-resolution object onto a flat piece of mesh.[4]

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https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-do-you-use-shrinkwrap-modifier-retopologize

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Shrinkwrap Modifier — Blender Manual". docs.blender.org. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  2. "How do I shrinkwrap an object to a curved surface cleanly and efficiently?". Blender Stack Exchange. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
  3. Burr, Adam; Gressak, Steve; Doble, Matthew; Haniszewski, Christian; Barrios, Ignacio; Anderson, Brian; Webby, Ferris (2015-07-31). It's a UVN face rig, Charlie Brown: facial techniques for peanuts (in en). https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/association-for-computing-machinery/it-s-a-uvn-face-rig-charlie-brown-facial-techniques-for-peanuts-kM33MoRB4A. 
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Help". help.autodesk.com. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
  5. "Retopologize Nine Times Faster with the Shrink Wrap Modifier in Blender". www.pluralsight.com. Retrieved 2023-10-23.