How To Prepare the Modules for The Modular Products in Blender

Introduction

This documentation explains key concepts for preparing the modules for the modular product in the Mimeeq App using Blender software.

The topics covered in this article include:

The Logic Of The Set Up
Snaps Logic
Collisions Logic
Dimention Boxes Logic

All neccesary things to know are described below.

Logic Of The Set Up

Due to the complex nature of the modular systems and their uniqueness, it is crucial to carefully plan the logic of the modular configurator before proceeding. Consider which elements connect to each other and what constraints exist for individual modules and their configurations. Taking the time to map everything out in advance will help you approach the creation process with confidence, avoiding problems and saving time in the long run. We recommend contacting our Mimeeq Studio to ensure that everything will work smoothly and that the logic is correct when you start working on the configurator. We're familiar with all the nuances and possibilities and will be happy to assist you.

Snaps Logic

What are Snaps?

Snaps are plane objects defined in the Mimeeq App as SNAP points. They serve as the connection points between modules in the modular system.

Characteristics of Snaps:

Snaps should be completely flat planes with 4 vertices, without any thickness or subdivisions.

💡Front and Side View Of The Snap

Snap normals is the most important factor - blue snaps should connect to blue, red to red (normals direction). Opposite orientations will cause flipping behavior.

💡Correct and Incorrect of Snap Set Up Between Modules

💡Correct and Incorrect of Snap Set Up Between Modules

The center of the snap is the most critical factor—snap centers must align for proper connections. They will always "glue" to each other at their centers, without any space in between.

💡Showcase of Snaps with Centers Aligned Between Modules

💡Showcase of Snaps with Centers Aligned Between Modules

It's best to keep snap sizes consistent and square, but the exact size is not critical as long as the centers align.
Snaps in the singular module should not intersect or overlap, as this will result in welding and improper functionality.

💡Incorrect and Correct Snaps within a Singular Module

💡Incorrect and Correct Snaps within a Singular Module

Snaps can be conditional, meaning you can activate them only under certain circumstances (example: show the snap only when you have an option of the arm selected).
Rectangular snaps serve the best when you want to use slide feature. (e.g., when you want to slide an added pillow across a straight backrest).

💡Showcase of Two Modules with Correctly Set Up Snaps

💡Showcase of Two Modules with Correctly Set Up Snaps

Collisions Logic

What are Collisions?

Collision is a cube object defined in the Mimeeq App as the collision type of the mesh. The purpose of the collision is to prevent modules that should not intersect from doing so. It can also be used as a workaround to hide unwanted snaps in certain cases. The collision boxes are separate from the dimension boxes, which should match the precise dimensions of the object. Collisions do not need to match the exact dimensions of the module; they only need to prevent the modules from overlapping.

Characteristics of Collisions:

Collision boxes are always cubic, regardless of the object's actual shape. They cannot take on any other form, such as a trapezoid or a curved shape. To achieve such shapes, it is necessary to use a pair of collision boxes as separate boxes arranged in the desired configuration.

💡Showcase of the L-Shaped Collision Created from Two Cubical Meshes

💡Showcase of the L-Shaped Collision Created from Two Cubical Meshes

The placement and size of the collision boxes in relation to the object is important, as they determine how the object will collide and interact with other objects.

💡Showcase Of a Correctly Used Collision On an Object

💡Showcase Of a Correctly Used Collision On an Object

Dimension Boxes Logic

What are Dimension Boxes?

Dimension boxes are cubes with specific measurements that outline objects to display their exact dimensions. Their purpose is to avoid small disturbances in the displayed measurements caused by model imperfections, especially in upholstered products.

Characteristics of Dimension Boxes:

To maintain perfect dimensions in the modular system, snaps must be "glued" exactly where the edges of the dimension boxes are.
The model can be smaller or larger than the dimension box to appear realistic when connecting (e.g., puffed upholstery), but the dimension boxes will still display the proper measurements.

💡Showcase of Dimension Box Set Up with Puffed Upholstery to Maintain Correct Dimensions

💡Showcase of Dimension Box Set Up with Puffed Upholstery to Maintain Correct Dimensions

Dimension boxes must be cubic.

💡Dimension Box with Snaps

Final Words

It's not uncommon to need multiple iterations to correct errors, especially in complex projects with numerous modules. The process typically involves preparing the files, setting up modules, identifying any issues, and then rerunning until the desired quality is achieved. This iterative approach is standard in the workflow. Please contact us in case of any edge case not covered by this documentation.

Updated on: 04/10/2024

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