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Slicing up models for 3d printing

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hello. I have been all over the internet and other forums trying to solve this problem. So here is the story:

I have a printrbot v2 3d printer. I have had this thing for nearly a year and have not found a way to fix the problem I am having. I have been modeling a series of helmets and masks for the printer. The problem comes when it is time to print. The printers size is not big enough to print a wearable helmet so I need to cut the model into smaller pieces to print then assemble.
I can’t figure out a way to cut the model up into these printable pieces though. Is there anyone with suggestions for this?
the pieces need to be complete without missing geometry. I have tried using poly groups to cut up the model deleting pieces I don’t need then using close holes operation but it doesn’t work to produce the clean edge I’m looking for.

#2

I don’t know if this would be of any help or not http://replicat.org/start

#3

Nope still doesn’t work. It is a modeling problem. The piece needs to have complete typology. I just can’t figure out how to replace or build the typology I need after I cut up the model

#4

Have you thought about masking the slices and extracting to a suitable thickness?

#5

Yes. Extracting is a great way to get the complete pieces I need. The problem comes when trying to clean up or shore up the edges or move the pieces into the correct position. I have not been able to extract to pieces that would fit together with the accuracy that I want. Also when extracting I find the resolution of the extracted piece is to high. When you run a model through a slicing program (needed for 3d printing) the mesh needs to be as low as possible with neat typology to print correctly. Extracting, decimating and them re-typologing is unpredictable

#6

When you run a model through a slicing program (needed for 3d printing) the mesh needs to be as low as possible with neat typology to print correctly. Extracting, decimating and them re-typologing is unpredictable

That doesn’t sound right. Topology flow shouldn’t matter for slicing. Decimated models should work just fine. What software are you using besides Zbrush?

If you can send me a sample (if possible) I can take a look at it for you.

I’m guessing your printer can take a STL file?

#7

You need to chop it in to the poly groups you want, then turn on Dynamesh with ‘group’ enabled and away you go. Remember to do auto poly groups after if you are on 4R6. Should work a treat. Then you can decemate each piece if you want.