Exporting CAD models with lots of cylinders/holes it's very easy, but when it comes to low-poly optimization, things get tricky fast.
The main issue is that cylinders/holes of different sizes all end up with different spacing you can’t control larger and smaller cylinders separately.
Segments add up quickly, and before you know it, your “low-poly” mesh isn’t low-poly at all. On top of that, exporting cylinders/holes can sometimes result in uneven segments and messy triangulation, which makes straightening UV shells a problem.
So what’s the solution?
Personally, I prefer to rebuild cylinders/holes objects in 3ds Max. This gives me full control over the segment count, letting me add more where it’s needed and reduce them where it’s not. Bigger holes or cylinders get more segments, smaller ones get "less", it’s all about balance.
Yes, it takes a little extra time, but the clean, optimized result is absolutely worth it.
Don’t cut corners, rebuild your cylinders!
Most of the time exporting an object out of a cad program the topology will look ugly and needs a lot of cleaning.
But there is a way to help you a little bit in the cleaning process and that's the use of Isoparam edges in Plasticity.
I don't know about other CAD programs but probably there is a way to add those edges in Fusion 360 or MOI3D as well.
Adding edges around details, helps you to have better topology and keep those triangles go all over the place and terminate them where you want.
Hope this little tip makes your optimization easier.
Top without isoparam, bottom with isoparam.
Many artists asked me how I work that fast when I post my wip's...well this is because I have already a lot of experience behind and still trying to find other methods to boost the process.
One thing that I can say is that using hotkeys in all softwares speeds up the process by a lot.
You might think that going with the mouse over a setting and press click it's not a big deal but doing this a couple of times a day, a month, a year....time adds up.
You don't have to add hotkeys for everything, in time you will see what you use often. If you use extrude, connect, bridge for modeling, add hotkeys for those.
Being able to just press a key or a combination of keys it's way faster and you don't have to take your eyes from what is important, your art, that's how you become faster and proeficient in your craft.
Now go set up your hotkeys 🚀
TUTORIALS
Discord server
Hi everyone,
Here is an update for the upcoming tutorial for portfolio.
Texturing almost done, still a few things to be done.
More info on my DISCORD
Hi everyone,
This is an update for my 2nd tutorial coming out.....when it's ready.
High poly, low poly, uvs and bake are all recorded and texturing is work in progress.
For any questions, you can join my DISCORD server.
Hi everyone,
Since I didn't shared the alphas from the Ultimate 3D Weapon Tutorial For Portfolio, I will show you how to create your own and also explain better how to use them in the custom layers from my tutorial.
Tutorial Link: Ultimate 3D Weapon Tutorial For Portfolio
Alpha can be downloaded here: DOWNLOAD ALPHA
Hi everyone,
In case you missed this, the tutorial is up on the marketplace.
Are you looking to create a high-quality 3D weapon for your portfolio? Then this tutorial is for you!
Hi, I’m Laurentiu — a Senior 3D Artist with 14+ years in the game industry, including work on titles like Call of Duty and Apex Legends. After years of being asked to share my process, I’ve finally created a tutorial designed specifically for artists who want to create stunning, portfolio-ready 3D weapons.
Tutorial Video Presentation.
Complete Edition Content:
What You’ll Learn:
This fully narrated, 6-chapter tutorial walks you through the entire pipeline, from high poly to final render.
Every chapter reflects real industry techniques I use in professional environments. Whether you're looking to polish your portfolio, strengthen your hard-surface skills, or learn how to texture realistic weapons and make beautiful renders, this tutorial will get you there.
Designed for intermediate to advanced artists, but clear and structured enough for beginners who want to grow fast.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
For a limited time VOUCHER CODES can be found on my Discord Server.
Contact:
Hi everyone,
The wait is almost over, release will be tomorrow.
Check out this little teaser with the final result from the tutorial.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask on my Discord Server
Enjoy!
