ZBrushCentral

Live boolean to cleanly chop out a chunk of mesh

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi all, I’m trying to figure something out that I’m not sure is possible. This is so I can hopefully key a model for 3d printing in a minimal amount of operations.

I’m trying to separate a chunk of mesh cleanly with just 1 live boolean operation.

My target result is “A” and I can get there via “B”, but when I want to cut multiple sections from 1 complicated object I have to duplicate my source mesh multiple times with this method.

If I do approach B it creates an unacceptable gap between the two parts. Does anyone know a solution to this? I’ve also tried cutting with a plane, but it gives weird, unpredictable results.

livebool.jpg

#2

I am assuming that this is a small piece. You are going to need that gap. I have extensive experience printing and if you print surface on surface/zero gap your parts will not fit together. 0.06mm is a good gap for high end printers. If you want NO gap and you are getting one that is not just a display artifact you can measure the gap you are getting and inflate your male boolean part that much before running the process.

#3

Thank you for the reply! You’re probably correct on that, a minimal thickness won’t really be too noticeable at the scale I’m printing.