Productivity AutomationVerified
Reviewed and published by trentmaziarz, April 22, 2026. Discovered and drafted by our automated research pipeline.
Houdini 21 offers a Neural Point Surface node that uses pre-trained machine learning models to convert point clouds — clusters of 3D data points produced by simulations or 3D scans — into smooth, detailed meshable surfaces. The feature ships with four built-in models tuned for different materials, such as liquids and granular matter.
Details
The Neural Point Surface node takes a point cloud as input and runs ONNX model inference to reconstruct a VDB surface, producing crisper high-frequency detail and better temporal stability than the previous analytic particle fluid surface method. SideFX provides four pre-trained models (including Liquid, Granular, Balanced, and Smooth), and the training setup is downloadable from SideFX's Content Library so users can train custom models. The node is GPU-accelerated and is embedded in the existing Particle Fluid Surface and MPM Surface nodes in Houdini 21.
Products affected
Houdini 21Houdini FX
Sources & Evidence
Cite this record
Trace Foundation. (2026). SideFX (Houdini): Houdini 21 offers a Neural Point Surface node that uses pre-trained machine learning models to convert point clouds — clusters of 3D data points produced by simulations or 3D scans — into smooth, detailed meshable surfaces. The feature ships with four built-in models tuned for different materials, such as liquids and granular matter (data as of 2026-04-22) [Data set record]. AI Trace. https://www.aitrace.org/r/practice/cb7b5102-090c-4ed9-b531-267bd60538be. Accessed October 5, 2026.
- Stable link
- https://www.aitrace.org/r/practice/cb7b5102-090c-4ed9-b531-267bd60538be
- Data as of
- April 22, 2026
- Last verified
- April 22, 2026
Other practices by SideFX (Houdini)
ProductivityHoudini 21 offers an ML Train Style Transfer node that trains a machine learning model to apply visual style from one class of images to another, enabling artists to automate the transformation of textures or rendered images to match a target aesthetic.Data AnalysisHoudini offers a platform for creating large volumes of labeled synthetic data — artificially generated images and 3D scenes — that other companies and researchers can use to train machine learning models. SideFX also partnered with Endava in April 2025 to publish a suite of computer vision tools in SideFX Labs that automate the creation of annotated training datasets.ProductivityHoudini 21 offers an ML Volume Upres node that uses a pre-trained machine learning model to upscale low-resolution fire and smoke (pyro) simulations, adding fine detail without changing the overall shape of the simulation. Artists can use SideFX-supplied pre-trained models or train their own.
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