Close Holes going overboard - Way to control it/alternative? (Screenshots included)

[system]

Hi,

I’m working on 3D printing pendants. The idea is to create an alpha map, use the “Create 3D” tool, and then refine the mesh for printing.

I’m running into problems with the “close holes” tool, however. When I use the Create 3D tool I turn of the “double sided” option (since I need a flat back for the print). Unfortunately, this generates a mesh without a back at all. My first thought was to use “close holes” to fix it, but it closes the ORIGINAL ALPHA’S holes as well.

I have tried hiding and masking, but these don’t seem to work for isolating “close holes.” I’d hope to have a workaround by using “Create 3D” from the alpha with the “double sided” option ON, then subtract a cube subtool from it at the base. However, it doesn’t seem to work, still resulting in the original rings being closed! I have played with the bridge curve brush, but it hasn’t worked so far with what I’m trying to do.

Any insight appreciated!
~Zirn

Original alpha:

Bonus question: Regarding the above image, in case I’m ever dealing with a shape where I want to remove JUST flat planes (the ones pointed to), what is the best way to do it? I’m thinking about something like the paintbucket tool/magic wand in photoshop, something that would just select localized geometry within a certain “flatness threshold” for removal.

Attachments

[Thor]

I’d hope to have a workaround by using “Create 3D” from the alpha with the “double sided” option ON, then subtract a cube subtool from it at the base. However, it doesn’t seem to work, still resulting in the original rings being closed!

Instead of subtracting, just use Deformation > Flatten z

or, if you don’t use double sided, you can mirror and weld z, then use flatten.

That should do it.

[system]

Yep, that did the trick! Thanks for the quick reply. I should learn more of Zbrush’s deformation features better.

I’d still like to know if there’s a good way to close holes in a “localized” way though. (Sometimes I work with irregular objects and still want to mend them in a way that doesn’t affect the entire thing.)

[Thor]

I’d still like to know if there’s a good way to close holes in a “localized” way though. (Sometimes I work with irregular objects and still want to mend them in a way that doesn’t affect the entire thing.)

Try experimenting with the various masking features…

Mask by cavity
Mask by peaks and valleys
Mask by smoothness

Once you have a decent mask, you can create a polygroup from it to isolate areas, delete polygroups, etc.