ZBrushCentral

Keeping Hard Edges

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi,

I’m modeling the Space Craft, Serenity, from the TV show Fire Fly. I just discovered this show which aired on Fox in 2002. How I missed it boggles my mind. Anyway, I thought I would model Serenity’s finer details in ZB.

I have a question. How can I increase the SDiv and keep the hard edges? I have read the online documentation but, no luck on the subject.

The image is the start of the Reactor.

I found a tutorial on modeling this cool spacecraft on the net. If you want to give it a shot here is the URL:

http://www.foundation3d.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1281#21

All the reference images are provided.

The tutorial is using LightWave as the 3D application. I am using 3DS MAX 2010. It’s pretty close as far as modeling now that MAX has the new Graphite Tools Ribbon.

Thanks

Reactor.jpg
Graphite Tools

Attachments

serenity-side.jpg

max.jpg

tools.jpg

#2

You need to chamfer any hard edges you make in max that you want to keep hard when you subdivide in ZBrush. The tighter the chamfer, the sharper the edge will stay when you subdivide. You can get a sense of what to expect if you enable NURMS subdivision on your model, then perform your chamfer operations. As you tighten and loosen the chamfer, you’ll see the edge adjust accordingly from sharp to smooth.

Just a heads up though. Last I heard, no one has been successful in bringing ZBrush displacement maps into max 2010 and having them render correctly. So if you’re enjoying the graphite tools, great, but you may need to render your displacement in 2009 for now until that gets sorted out.

It’s a shame that show only lasted one season, it was really good. You know they made a movie? That girl that plays River must have a curse, every show she’s in gets canceled :stuck_out_tongue:

-Dustin

#3

you can also crease edges in zbrush as well as reinforcing edgeloops. this will allow you subd with smooth on.

#4

Thanks a ton Dustin. I’ll do as recommended. I have an in at Autodesk so, I’ll give them a call to see what the dang deal is. I did use a displacement map generated in ZB for an organic model and yes there where some issues.

So, The Sarah Connor Chronicles got waked? Maybe Summer Glau (River) needs to play characters that have all their marbles.

Thanks again.

#5

Cool, if you (or your Autodesk buddy) come up with a solution I’m sure others would be interested in hearing it.