How to convert CAD files into ZBrush-friendly quads?

[kevphil]

I opened a small SolidWorks file in modo, than exported it as an OBJ. Once in ZBrush I was able to use DynaMesh to convert it into all quads and manipulate it with no problem.

However, with a larger file (see attached), ZBrush cranked away for nearly an hour without any success. I think this may have to do with the program needing to convert every nut and bolt in the entire model. Even if the conversion had been successful, I’m afraid that the resultant mesh would have been too huge to handle anyway.

I had also tried to use QRemesher, but the model was “blobby” unless I set the parameters up all the way, and that approach also ended in looong conversion times.

Any advice on how to set up CAD for export to ZBrush, or a conversion method once inside ZBrush? Thanks!

Attachments

[Cryrid]

For a mesh like that, I would start splitting it up into simpler subtools, and then just only dynamesh the ones that need to be sculpted on.

[kevphil]

I hadn’t even thought of that, the whole thing with missing the forest for the trees. Thanks, Cryrid!