A python module for Autodesk Maya that shows a way to separate a combined object back to original ones (contained 2 or more shells) preserving skinning that was applied to the combined object.
It uses standart python libraries, maya.cmds, maya.mel, maya.OpenMaya and maya.OpenMayaAnim
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First step is to select objects that need to be combined and create an instance of objectCombine class that gathers all data from the original objects.
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Next step is combining method that runs a mel script with a custom combine function.
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After combining a user need to create a joint system and assign a skin deformer to the combined object using these joints.
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Last step is to run methods that collect data from skinCluster assigned to the combined object, separate this object back to original meshes and recreates all the skinning weights in a newly created skinClusters for each separated mesh.
Unzip the project to your Maya Python path folder
Import the script
import combineSeparate.main as combSep
Select objects You want to combine. They will be combined to the first selected object
Create an instance of objectCombine class and run combine
instance = combSep.objectCombine() #collects all data needed for combining and separating
instance.doCombine() #run combine
Create joint system and assign skin deformer to the combined mesh where these joints are influence objects
Back to original meshes
instance.doCollectSkinData_deleteSkin() #gather all data needed for restoring skinning from the combined object
instance.doSeparate() #separate object into parts
instance.doRecreateSkinning() #recreate skinning for separated objects