ZBrushCentral

Solidworks to ZBrush and back again?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

I am new to ZBrush and I would like to start a model in Solidworks export it to ZBrush, add amazing details and then import it back into Solidworks. Then I can send it on to be CNC’d using GIBBS. I plan on using the 3D Print Exporter and the Decimation Master. My problem is that Solidworks does not support OBJ files. Does anyone have experience with transfering files? Maybe using a 3rd party file converter? Also, I’m not super tech savvy so I need it to be really easy. I’ll appreciate any help.

Thanks,
Jessica

#2

I have found Solid Works to be very limiting on what it can import.

Zbrush can export your object as a DXF - which many CAD programs can open. However, most have a limit to the number of polygons, which makes it somewhat tricky.

I have a CNC Router and have cut some Zbrush projects using the DXF export from Zbrush. On larger files, I’ve saved as an OBJ, then used Max to create an IGES file.

Like you, I’d prefer to just use OBJ - its a cleaner, smaller format that saves much better. Unfortunately, I haven’t run across any software that uses OBJ’s in a CAD setting.

#3

Rhino 3D is a great tool for going between SW and ZBrush.