Sweep

Sweep in Cinema 4D is a powerful generator that creates 3D geometry by sweeping one spline (the profile) along another spline (the path). It’s ideal for creating tubes, pipes, cables, and custom shapes that follow a defined path.

What It Is

• The Sweep object extrudes a profile spline along a path spline to form a continuous surface.
• Supports any combination of open or closed splines for versatile shapes.
• Allows fine control over orientation, scale, and twist along the sweep path.
• Works non-destructively, so you can adjust splines or parameters anytime.

How It Works

1. Create a profile spline (shape to be swept) and a path spline (trajectory).
2. Add a Sweep object from the Generators menu.
3. Make the profile spline the first child and the path spline the second child of the Sweep object.
4. Adjust Sweep settings for scale, rotation, and caps in the Attributes Manager.
5. Refine the geometry by modifying the splines or Sweep parameters.
6. Apply materials, deformers, or other effects as needed.

Use Cases

• Modeling pipes, cables, and hoses following complex paths.
• Creating custom rails, trims, or ornamental shapes.
• Designing tubes and wires in technical and product visualization.
• Building animated elements that follow spline paths.

Benefits

• Enables creation of complex path-based geometry with ease.
• Non-destructive and highly adjustable workflow.
• Supports detailed control over geometry orientation and scale.
• Integrates well with other modeling and animation tools.

More info here in the Maxon documentation.

Video Credit: Behind the Button.
Description: This video demonstrates the Sweep Generator in Cinema 4D 2023.1