Boolean Modifier: OpenVDB

Model provided by: Changsoo Eun

The OpenVDB method is an alternative way to calculate a boolean operation. It lets you produce topologically independent results from watertight geometry. You can select OpenVDB in the Boolean modifier Options Rollout.

When OpenVDB is selected, your operands are converted into volumes, where the Boolean operation is calculated. The Boolean result is then converted back to meshed quadrilateral polygons.

The OpenVDB method computes reliably and accurately and can be used when mesh issues are present, like operands that contain polygonal errors.

This method is often successful when working with problematic geometry that cause the traditional Mesh method to fail.

You can use the Voxel Size parameter in the Options Rollout to adjust the resolution of your boolean. The lower the Voxel Size value, the sharper the results. A higher Voxel Size value produces rounder features and a softening of edges because there is not enough resolution to produce hard edges. In areas where operands intersect, this softening can also create smooth transitional areas. This can produce results that appear more organic.

Note: Using a very small Voxel Size value can produce large quantities of geometry, which may cause 3ds Max to freeze. The default Voxel Size (1.0) generally captures most detail, but it is dependent on the size of the Boolean objects.

See Create a screwdriver using the Boolean modifier, to see how you can use the OpenVDB method to create a screwdriver handle.