How do I make a 3D coiled ribbon on AE?

[Gabriel331445955lks]

Hi. I just started learning After Effects & co, and I need to make a 3D animation of a protein molecule. Proteins are flat ribbons that are normally in a coil format (see image for reference). Is there an easy way for me to do that without paying for a licence or buying objects pre-made? I do need to manipulate the structure, i.e. untwist the coil etc. I have access to the full Creative Cloud + Blender.

[Rick Gerard]

Blender is your best modeling tool. You can create the animation in Blender or export the model and use the model in AE Beta or in a 3rd party plugin like Video Copilot's Element 3D. No built-in modeling tools in AE will come close to the design you are looking for.

[Gabriel331445955lks]

Thanks. Now I just have to learn how to use Blender haha, I literally downloaded it yesterday.

Is there a timeframe for when the current AE Beta will be released? I saw that they're upgrading the 3D capabilities, but I usually prefer waiting for full releases over test versions. I'm not in a major hurry (yet).