ZBrushCentral

Can an insert mesh be automatically inserted at its actual scale size

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi I am wondering if for example I have a mesh of a cube that measures 2mm x 2mm and I make an insert mesh brush from that.

And lets say I am working with a model that is of a definite size some thing I started in another app with a measured drawing
and I want to insert the 2mm x 2mm cube at different point on my models surface, can I use the insert mesh feature to insert it at its actual size of 2 x 2 mm some how?

I see that using the ctl. key will snap the insert mesh to the brush size, but is there any correlation between the brush size setting and the actual scale of the insert mesh?

I would like the feature of the insert multi mesh brush to quickly bring in subtools on to a models surface and possibly join them to the model or not, but I do need them to scale, whats the best work flow for this if not the insert brush?

Thanks

#2

This is actually something I’ve kinda discovered recently and have been playing with. Looks like you’ve got part of it figured out with the holding the ctrl key to lock its size to your brush. You can also drag around the mesh by holding down spacebar.

So by default (at least for me) my transpose tool is set to measure in MM. So when I load up a primitive cube in zbrush, it measures out to be by default, a 2mm cube.

When you load up the insert cube brush, you just have to do a bunch of trial and error measurements until you get your brush size right. Make sure you have Dynamic turned on for your brush. With your insert mesh cube, choose a brush size>hold ctrl>drag on your model>measure corner to corner with your transpose line. Rinse and repeat until you get it at your desired 2mm.

I just played with it and found it to be exactly 500 on my brush size to get a 2mm cube. So every time I set my brush size to 500 and have Dynamic on, my cube should always come out to 2mm. (it may be different for you)

I’ve used this method to place accurately sized gemstones and prongs on jewelry and works quite well. I also go to Brush>Depth and imbed the stones, for the table of the gem to match the surface of my model.

#3

Hey Mr Spooky thanks that interesting,

I was working with a mesh to insert a cube on and my brush size had to be at like 28 to get a 2x2 mm cube ,the model I was working on was about 50mm actual size. I would like to understand the brush size to insert mesh size correlation.

When you measure with the transpose line are you able to get both ends of the line to snap to vertexes ( because I can only get one end to snap to a vertex?) or do you just eyeball it.

What type of gem setings are you using, prongs, bezels? Are you going to cast the pieces in metal?

#4

My settings may be a little wonky.

You can also play with nanomesh. I used the zmodeler>insert nanomesh to get a 2m cube. But the only reason that worked so well is cause the underlying mesh has perfect 2mm spaced geometry. So it may not work out for what you’re doing. Haven’t really played with nanomesh much, but it might be worth a look.

And yes, my transpose snaps at both ends of the transpose line. Maybe my snap distance is different than yours? I have my transpose settings in the pic below.

It’s also fairly hard to line up your IM cube the way you want it though, cause if you hit shift to align it, it’ll unlock the size restriction. With things like gems it doesn’t matter, but I can see a cube being a little annoying. Another helpful tip is to use the red circle from the brush size to preview exactly where your IM will go.

The piece I worked on will be cast in metal, but hasn’t been finished just yet. Has a couple hundred stones in it.

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#5

Oh so your doing a pave type of piece.

OK I got to ask you this about the transpose line again, as far as snapping the line to your object.

So if I am working with the default ZB cube
Then I click move to go into transpose mode
As I move my cursor over the model I see a snap to point as I drag over each vertex
When I click the transpose line will be then snapped to the vertex I was over.

So far so good

I also found that if I hold down the mouse button when doing the above
After I set the transpose line to a vertex
While holding the mouse button I can then drag and rotate the trans. line around the point I set it to
And this feature has a snapping ability to the model.
This allows you to orientate the axis of the transpose line

But what I was asking you and you said you can do, but my transpose line does not do is:

After I initially place the trans. line by snapping one end of it to a vertex
I cannot grab the outer circle on the other of the line and have any snapping ability to the model

So you are saying you have this ability?
My settings are the same as yours
Please explain what clicks and keys you use to snap the other “loose” end of the line to a vertex of the model, while keeping
the fist end of the line where it was originally placed.

Thanks for you help!

#6

It sounds like you’re just letting go of you transpose line, then trying to move your outer transpose circle after snapping to your initial point.

Its gotta be done in one continuous motion. Click and drag your transpose line from your start point, to your end point. Then both ends should snap to vertexes.

If you start your transpose line, let go, and then try and adjust it after, the end wont snap to vertexes (as far as I know)

#7

Thanks so much for clearing that up for me Mr. Spooky