Nick Kallen ships Plasticity 1.2
Tools developer Nick Kallen has released Plasticity 1.2, a “massive update” to the lightweight NURBS modeller that overhauls the software’s surfacing toolset.
The release introduces a straightforward workflow for generating NURBS patches between 3D curves, with advanced options to control the surfaces generated.
A lightweight NURBS modelling app for concept art, not industrial design
First released in April, and pitched as “CAD for artists”, Plasticity is a streamlined NURBS modeller.
The software is intended to provide a low-cost, artist-friendly alternative to tools like MoI – which Kallen describes as a “huge inspiration” – and Fusion 360, and is aimed at concept art as well as industrial design.
It features a streamlined UI, with on-screen clutter reduced by context-sensitive widgets and pop-up UI panels, and uses key bindings and selections modes that should be familiar to Blender users.
Straightforward new workflow for surfacing models
Although there are over 30 new features in Plasticity 1.2, the focus of the update is surfacing.
The initial release of Plasticity was optimised for making what Kallen describes as “mechanical-looking” models: models made up mainly from planes and primitives rather than NURBS patches.
The update focuses creating pure NURBS models, introducing new tools for quickly generating patches between 3D curves, including the option to turn open curve loops into patches.
More advanced features include the option to specify G0, G1, G2 continuity individually at edge boundaries.
New Bridge Surface command, and new options when working with curves
We can’t find a complete changelog for the update on the Plasticity website, but other new features mentioned in the launch video include a new Bridge Surface command, shown in the image above.
There are also new options for bridging, extending and stretching curves, and the option to sweep out forms using multiple rails.
Price, system requirements and release date
Plasticity 1.2 is available for Windows 10+, Ubuntu 22.04+ Linux and macOS 12.0+. It runs on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. The update is free to existing users.
New Indie licences cost $99 and import and export files in OBJ, STEP and Parasolid XT format. Studio licences support a wider range of file formats and cost $299. Both are perpetual node-locked licences.
There is also a free trial edition, which only imports STEP files and exports OBJ files.