Model a High-Poly Car Wheel in 3ds Max - Part 1

Ben Tate Last updated Oct 12, 2009

Read Time: 1 min

The wheels are an often overlooked, but extremely important element in perfecting the look of any car, and the many techniques and tools needed to properly build them can be applied to nearly any hard surface modeling project. In this intermediate/ advanced level video tutorial, you will learn how to model a detailed high-poly car wheel from blueprints.

On this, the first day of the series, we will will create the rim for the wheel. First, we will study a tried and true method of setting up a blueprint, and learn to make an animated x-ray material. Then, we will jump into modeling, where you will learn a wide variety of tools and techniques, both low and high, to complete the final sub-d model.

Additional Files/ Plugins:

Download the Blueprint Image for this tutorial

Final Effect Preview

Note: click the 'Monitor' icon to view tutorial in full-screen HD.

Note: click the 'Monitor' icon to view tutorial in full-screen HD.

3D Studio Max 3D

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Ben Tate

Ben has over a decade of experience in the computer graphics field and although he's primarily a hard surface modeler, he's also experienced in the fields of UVMapping, Texturing, Lighting and Rendering. Ben has authored over sixty hours of real-time tutorial content for Tuts+, focusing mainly on 3d Studio Max and hard surface modeling. Along side 3D Studio Max, Ben's has experience with VRay, FumeFX, ZBrush, Mudbox, Mari, PTex, Photoshop, xNormal, UVLayout, Forest Pack Pro and After Effects. You can check out Ben's website to see more of his work.

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