ZBrushCentral

problems with merging/welding subtools

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

hi everyone!
I just starded playing with my brand new ZBrush demo.
Before buying it I have to understant if some basic (for my job) functions are possible.
I need to prepare some models to be converted in .STL format an then printed in 3d.
One of the basic needs of 3D printing is that the mesh must be “watertight”.
An example: if I open the default soldier figure coming with the demo, it features many subtools (backpack, glove, shirt, etc.).
If I want to print in 3d THE BODY AND THE BOOTS, I will have to export the two subtools in OBJ ,then (in some other 3d app) I will have to delete the hidden polys (the leg’s surface) and weld the border of the boots with the border of the “cut” leg.
Can’t manage to do it :frowning:

IS THERE A WAY TO WELD TOGETHER SOME SUBTOOLS AND OBTAIN A SINGLE SURFACE???

Advice would be appreciated! Thanx!
willcoyote

#2

Zbrush does not have a boolean command, or anything similar to what you are trying to achieve. You can retopo multiple objects to get the same effect as what you are doing. but you will probably be faster in your other application as working with retopo involves drawing out every vert that you intend to use.

if you look into retop and start to get the hang of it you can decide for yourself if this is the way you want to go.

#3

Taking the default soldier as an example, you would hide the intersecting boot polygons and click Tool/Geometry/Delete Hidden. Then you must try to get the points of all the cut, raw edges to fit together as well as you can. The move brush can help with this. Then you need to save out the subtools as .obj files and reimport them into one composite file, by turning on Mrg and Add in Tool/Import. This should weld the points together and make your watertight object.

Cheers,

R