I have an issue using UVW unfold for compound curved or organic shapes. Is there any way to control the unfold map parameters to get a cleaner result. I’ve attached an image of what happens when I unfold a complex shape...first I get a number of random pieces which have to be rearranged and reassembled as shown. Anyone know how to get a better result using the Unfold Map button?

	Attachment

Have you tried using just ‘Planar’ mapping in the Unwrap UVW modifier?  For the shape in the images you provided, I would simply use planar mapping with ‘Best Align’ selected.  Then in the Edit dialog, I would relax the shape which will evenly space out your UVs.  Using this approach, you’ll avoid the process of piecing your UV islands back together.  Hope that helps, cheers.

3DS Max 7, 8, 2010
Windows Vista 32 bit.
Intel Quad Core