Slicing a 3d model

[DougE]

Hi

I’m hoping someone has a solution for me to try.

I would like to slice up a model using Zbrush. It is a human head.
I am wanting to cut 6 evenly spaced cross-sections.
I need to run this on two models using the same slices in the same locations. (There are two human heads. One is a ‘rough’ and one is ‘finished’. The ‘rough’ head is “inflated” with a negative value making it apx 1/4 inch shrunken) SEE ATTACHED IMAGE

The models must be sliced at the same locations. Which means, if ‘both’ heads were ‘live’ as one subtool, and sliced simultaneously all would be good. Each ‘sliced’ section could be made into seperate subtools using subtool master(i think)

Is there a way to do this? Some boolean type operation using another tool/model such as a block primitive? (These meshes are not dynameshes)

Is there a way to use the slice rectangle? I need to create 6 slices of the same exact thickness, one atop the next, until the model(s) consist of 6 total and even sections. Is there a way to lock the slice rectangle to a specific size and repeat that size several times?

Please,… let’s keep this done inside Zbrush. I know it can be done in 3d max and other programs. I am trying to keep this project inside of Zbrush if possible.

Thank you for your help

DougE

Attachments

[marcus_civis]

This is one of those problems where a little bit of scripting will help a lot.

Attached is a zscript. You load it by pressing the ZScript:Load button and selecting the file. You’ll need to press ‘H’ on the keyboard to show the ZScript Window at the bottom of the UI. There should be two sliders and a button (you might need to drag the double arrowed divider up a little to show them).

You need to set up your model so that perspective is off and so that it is positioned just touching the bottom edge of the document window. Starting at the bottom edge, the zscript will draw slices horizontally at pixel heights according to the Depth slider and the number of slices set in trhe Slices slider. Press the button to run the script.

You’ll need to set up your model so that the model scale/document size give you the slices you need. You could place your models side by side, or have as separate subtools and run the script twice.

Tool>SubTool>Split>Groups Split will split into subtools.

HTH,

[DougE]

Hello Marcus,
Thank you for the clear explanation on how to ‘run a script’. (believe me without your instructions like this I would be suffering)

I’m still messing around with your script. (Trying to figure out what the ideal document size should be, etc. Wondering if I should run this on the undecimated meshes to see if results are cleaner ??))

I tried setting the ‘head’ to the bottom of the window, as you can see by the attachment image, I was off by quite a bit. I tried using magnifying glass to zoom in and move at the same time but didn’t have much success there. (Notice how the first ‘cut’ is not the same as those that follow.) I wonder if the script could be based of of using the “frame” button in some way (??) Just a thought… shrug…

**Please note… In no way am I complaining ! The problems I am having are “operator error” eg,… me,myself and I !

Your script works fantastic ! Just as I would have expected a tool to be. Simple to use and with expected results !

You must laugh when us lowly newer users (and some pros, I’m sure) can’t figure things out.

Thank you so much, truly,… Thank you

Happy holidays and a brilliant new year to you !

DougE

Off topic… If I have suggestions should I submit them using a ticket? I don’t want to clog up the help area with things that aren’t problems. (I’ve been there to get keyshot to work and to ask how to deactivate one computer when I purchased a new one… etc)

Thank you again Marcus !

Attachments

[marcus_civis]

I’m glad you find the script useful. It’s not perfect but ZBrush is not a program for perfect numerical accuracy.

In your picture the document size is actually larger than the available space which is why you are seeing the white line border. You can click+drag in the Document>Zoom button to reduce the scale of the canvas until you can see all of it. That will make it easier to see how your model fits.

The simplest way of working would be to resize your document so that it is the correct number of multiples for the slices you want. For example, if you wanted your model sliced into six parts then you could set the height of the document to 1200 pixels. You’d then set the script Depth slider to 200 and the Slices slider to 5. If you fit the model to just touch the top and bottom of the document the slicing would be accurate.

You can resize the doument like this:

1. Turn off Edit (T on keyboard).
2. Clear the canvas (Ctrl+N).
3. Set the size you want in the Document>Height and Width sliders (turn off Pro if changing the proportions). Then press Document>Resize.
4. Click and drag to redraw your model and then turn on Edit mode (T on keyboard).

Framing the model (F) will put it close to the canvas edges if the whole canvas is visible, though some minor adjustment may be necessary.

Edit: Yes, Support is a good place to make suggestions, or it’s perfectly OK to start a new thread in this forum.

Happy New Year to you!