TuTorials
Sculpt a character for 3D printing17
trAnSPoSe MASter to PrePAre For PoSInG
To begin putting the character into the correct pose we must first use a
ZPlugin called Transpose Master. It is found in the ZPlugin menu and this will
allow us to re-pose all the individual subtools in one go. The other way would
be to repose each part subtool by subtool, which is quite labour intensive. To
activate this we simply click TPoseMesh and this analyses each subtool and
records their relative positions. When we have finished we can hit TPose|SubT
and this will restore all the levels of subdivision. But first we need to pose her!16
Put It All toGether – low reS
To pose the character it is helpful to have a
low-polygon version of each part. Duplicate each part
(subtool by subtool). Use ZRemesher set to about 2
(2,000) and the default setting. This will re-mesh the part.
Then subdivide it back up and use Tool>Subtool>Project
All to capture the high-resolution detail back. Delete the
high-res versions. Do this with each subtool.20
StArt to thInK ABout the PrInt
There are always lots of ways to think about breaking down a character
for 3D printing. I will show you a few ways here starting with a solid print. Make
sure all parts are at their highest subdivision level. Use Tool>Subtool>Merge
Visible to merge all the parts into one model. We now need to DynaMesh
these all into one. Use a fairly high number (try 1,024) and see how long that
takes. Aim for about 300-600 polys to keep the file size down. Export that and
see how it looks in the 3D print software (we are using PreForm by Formlabs).Masking is king
When we teach ZBrush
we always say that
masking is king. If you
learn masking you also
learn to hide and show,
to pose accurately, and
it is also the gateway
to good polygrouping.19
PoSe chArActer In MoVe MoDe
You can simply paint the mask (hold Ctrl) or you can
change to MaskLasso. In Move mode you can hold Ctrl
and drag the mask around as needed. Ctrl+click on the
empty document window to clear the mask. Work around
the whole character on each subtool until you have her
posed as required. Then hit TPose|SubT (ZPlugin) to
restore all the levels of subdivision. Tweak as necessary.18
PoSe the chArActer
To begin posing the
character we need to access
the Transpose Line which is now
off by default in ZBrush 4R8.
On the interface next to Rotate
you will see a little orange circle
which is the new gizmo for scale,
rotate and move. Turn this off
and we now have access to the
Transpose Line.
With this now activated we
can mask areas of the mesh
and move the unmasked parts
to suit our needs. Firstly re-pose
the head to the correct angle. To
blur the mask use Ctrl+click on
the model.