How would I model this metal grate? Tried some things but could'nt get it done

I have absolutely no idea on how to use geometry nodes, and my regular modelling isn’t really enough for the job :confused:

It’s actually pretty easy if you cut it into its smallest component.
It is a repeating pattern so you only need to model one “X” and then recreate the repetition use the array modifier (in two directions).
Disregard the depth of the grate, use a solidify modifier instead.
In regards to the bending of the shape, you can create/model it as a low res model of the shape and then apply a SubD modifier to smooth it out (create a nice curvature).

2 Likes

Hi lucas_skruz,
i also had to model such an expanded metal a couple months ago.
You don’t even have to model the whole “X” → you only need a quarter of it.

Take a look at this:


Expanded_Metal.blend (1.4 MB)

I used @higgsas Loft Splines nodegroup to create the shape of the “quarter X” using two curves:

After that it’s just some instancing and mirroring to get the grid (which probably could be done better, but it’s just a quick and dirty setup :sweat_smile:).

If you want to change the shape you have to watch out, that you only move the curve points on an X/Y plane! Otherwise the setup will break up really easily…

3 Likes

Sometimes it’s also worth to understand how this might be built in real… maybe so :

…some repeative cuts and some bending back and forth and additionally up and down…

here some more visual explanation… ( even if my “drawing”… sucks :sweat_smile: )

…and so ananlyzing the repeative pattern…

1 Like

Please refer to the image below and the attached file for modeling yourself.

fds.blend (146.3 KB)

3 Likes

Thank you, this helped me a lot now

1 Like