Raffael Kloten is no stranger to complex technical setups. Last year, we featured his impressive animated tank inspired by Warhammer 40K. The artist has now released the project he's been working on over the past month, exploring the Blender Python API: a rigging tool that fully automatically creates and skins a complex tire rig, reportedly capable of handling pressure and surface deformation for almost any tire.

If you work with 3D vehicles, you know how challenging and important wheels and tires can be. A tire that deforms realistically under load can greatly improve the sense of authenticity in a vehicle. To use Tire Rig Generator, simply provide your tire along with a low-poly deformer mesh and a ground mesh. The plug-in will automatically create a rigging setup tailored to your tire.

More information on how to use the tool is available in the documentation included with the download. The video above also showcases three test tires rigged using the plug-in. Download Tire Rig Generator here.

Also, take a look at this satisfying experiment by Sergei Sukhorukov, showing how a tire's contact patch interacts with dirt:

And of course, DemNikoArt is a true master of mechanical rigs. Check out his robot arm, a mecha walk cycle animation, a car suspension rig, and more on our site. He also offers his own course on mechanical rigging.

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