ZBrushCentral

Axial Displacement

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

I am aware that this question has been asked in this thread http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?t=93259&highlight=picker+orientation and possibly in others. I have read through several and not found a solution.

I want to be able to pull alphas with all edges straight down towards the bottom of a bowl so that all extrusions/edges are perpendicular to the perimeter of the bowl. This is so that a 3D print of the bowl can be cast in metal, and when cast will pull free properly from its molds. Although it is possible for the metal casting people to construct molds in more than two parts, it is best for this project to have only two molds (top and bottom).

Could someone please explain the process for accomplishing this? (The star is just an example.)

Thanks.

bowl1.jpg

Attachments

bowl2.jpg

#2

I figure you can apply the alpha as a mask, invert it and then use the traspose tool to pull it out in the direction you want.

#3

I tried using the alpha as a mask but it doesn’t give acceptable definition. The inflate tool does much better, but I can’t get the picker orientation to pull the inflate perfectly perpendicular.

#4

Ah I think I get it. After applying the mask as an alpha try using the inflate in: Tool>Deformation>Inflat. It should give a nice even normal inflation.

#5

Thanks - I tried that too but still not able to pull in the direction along axis. The thing is when the physical mold is pulled from the cast metal it needs to pull free without any hooks. So the extrude has to be all in one direction.

#6

Can’t you make the stars as seperate subtools with the exact angle you want? That way you get perfect edges with no distortion at all.

#7

harbottle - How do I combine those sub tools with the main bowl shape but keep them from going through to the other side?

#8

If you are looking to have it output on a 3d printer, you can just leave them as seperate subtools. As long as each subtool is “watertight”, meaning it has no holes in it (think of each mesh, despite its shape, as needing to be like a tied baloon.
Good Luch
Will