PathDeformer

Path Deformer is a python plugin that offers unique deformation capabilities. Simply select a spline, and your object will be distorted along that spline without losing its proportions. Path Deformer twists the object along a curve, allowing you to roll objects along the spline and control their position along the path. You can also place a reference object under the deformer to have an accurate reference for position and rotation along the path. Path Deformer is the best solution for deforming objects along a spline.

The animation below is the reason behind the creation of PathDeformer about 20 years ago. This scene, rendered with Cinema4D's standard renderer, contains as many as 27 parts deformed with PathDeformer.

Originally wrote in c++ in 2003.