Wave Folder
Generates periodic ridges using a choice of waveform shape — square, sawtooth, or triangle. Unlike the smooth sine curves of Surface Waves or Harmonics, Wave Folder produces hard-edged, geometric ridge profiles that are ideal for mechanical and industrial textures.
The name comes from audio synthesis, where wave folding transforms a smooth wave into more complex shapes by "folding" the peaks and valleys.
Parameters
Amplitude- Ridge height in mm (0–20). Controls how far the ridges protrude from the surface.
Frequency- Number of ridges around the circumference (1–50). Higher values create tighter, denser ridge patterns.
Shape- 0 = square wave (flat-topped ridges with vertical walls). 1 = sawtooth (ramp up, sharp drop). 2 = triangle (symmetric pointed peaks).
Duty Cycle- Width of the raised portion relative to the period (0.05–0.95). At 0.5, the ridge and groove are equal width. Lower values create thin fins; higher values create narrow grooves.
Phase- Phase offset in radians (0–2\u03C0). Rotates the pattern around the circumference.
How It Works
Wave Folder evaluates a periodic function at each vertex position along the circumference. The Shape parameter selects between three classic waveforms:
- Square — Flat tops and flat valleys with sharp transitions. The Duty Cycle controls the ratio of "on" to "off" time, like a pulse-width modulator.
- Sawtooth — A linear ramp from valley to peak followed by an instant drop. Creates a directional, asymmetric ridge pattern.
- Triangle — A linear ramp up followed by a linear ramp down, producing symmetrical pointed peaks.
The duty cycle parameter only affects square and sawtooth shapes. Triangle waves are always symmetric.