Implicit surfaces have fascinated me since I first came across them years ago.
Finally, I have managed to implement a type called a convolution surface, which can create an implicit object based on a polygonal mesh.
Make a (very) low poly model and run this script over it, make a cup of tea, 'cos it’s slooow, and voila, it puffs up like it was microwaved.
It’s alpha because it’s a first release and lacks features but should be stable.
The idea is that once the script develops, modelling in a metaball manner will be easier with a simple poly mesh as a base. Convolution surfaces suffer less from unwanted bulges and blobbing than other types, like distance surfaces and metaballs, hence should be more controllable.
See what you think.
The .blend file on this page contains two low poly models to try out.