That sounds great! I assume an uncolored print is still more accurate and detailed than a colored print (because of the different process?).
I’ll have to contact you through your site. Thanks!
For 3d prints, is it best to sculpt with or without perspective on? Which will look more accurate to the actual 3d print? If with perspective, what focal length?
thanks
shhark,
Can you please explain this a little further? I would like to know how to “close” the model, e.g. the “demo head” model. Preferably I would like to know how to create a shell with thickness, rather than just a zero thickness surface, but a solid model would also be good.
I want to print the model on a ZCorp 3D printer. Please help.
Thanks, James.
ye… me too.
At work i’ve had this trouble and was deciding it for a day… All my results is not good. :evil:
To close your model (solid geometry): Short of capping the model in another program you will need to close the model using the retopology tools. A quick search should get you all the info you need to figure out how to do it.
To create a shell thickness: You can try a couple approaches depending on what stage you’re at in your sculpture. You can try the “Extract” function in the Subtool palette. Even though you have some control over the thickness of the extraction, you unfortunately do not have control over the direction of extraction (it extracts in both directions) so this is only good if you’re in early stages of model development. It’s a nice tool since you can easily mask any shape you want off your surface (i.e. holes, filigree, etc.) & translate that into a subtool. Hopefully Pixologic will add directional control to this feature which will make it more useful at any stage in your model.
The other option is to store a Morph Target, then scale your model down. I use the “Size” slider in the Deformation Palette with XYZ all turned on and type in the amount of scaling I want for best control. I suppose you could use the scale handles also. Then hit “Create Difference Mesh” and you’ll have you’re shelled model. Again check the forum for more details on how to do this if you’re having problems.
As for sculpting with perspective, I have always sculpted with it off. It’s a camera effect to help show proximity to the model or depth of field. If it somehow helps you to use it then by all means do it but I haven’t found a need for it. It seems that if you were to use it at all the largest focal length (150mm) would be most appropriate. Really the only way to tell if it works for you is to do some comparison tests between a printed model and your virtual model.
Hope this helps-
Dif Mesh,
oughhhh. . … it’s works but with some errors.
thx man
can you describe?
Actually-
try using the “Inflate” function instead of “Size” to create your Morph Difference Mesh 
Definitely with perspective on, at least turned on at the end so you can see what it’ll look like, the real world is all in perspective.
I think 50mm focal length is about the same as the human eye sees… at least that’s how it is with SLR’s. I assume they’ve used the same standards for 3D apps.
This is a great thread and I have enjoyed it very much. I’m working on a chapter for a book that is talking about this very process. Getting things out of the computer and onto your desk. It is fascinating. I have also pitched a second book that will focus on artwork that is created with new technology. All of this is a part of my graduate work, bridging the gap between the traditional studio and new technology. I thought I might share a few of the links that I have found on this subject.
First I’m very excited at the growth of digital printing. Ex one has a wonderful process of printing in metal. Here is a direct link to their site and check out the artwork and printing of Bathsheba Grossman and Gil Burvel. http://www.exone.com/eng/technology/x1-prometal/artists_prometal.html
Solheim Rapid Prototyping Laboratory in the Mechanical Engineering Department on the University of Washington campus is doing a great deal of research on digital printing. I am happy to report they have just come up with a way to digitally print glass and of course ceramic. http://open3dp.me.washington.edu/
And the blog also reads
““Are we the first in the world to 3D print translucent porcelain? It took us a while, but we did it!” Assistant Professor Ronald Rael at the University of California at Berkeley and a team of architecture graduate students (Emily Licht, Colleen Paz, Brian Grieb and Plamena Milusheva) have developed a method for 3D printing translucent porcelain. “
3d printing of porcelain. Too cool.
Bridgette Mongeon
Oh a couple more things. A great book on the subjec is “Printing the Future” by ed grenda and his worldwide guide to rapid prototyping http://home.att.net/~castleisland/home.htm
Yo!
I’ve been lurking in these forums for some weeks now and I think it’s time to start posting. 
So, this is a very interesting thread and I have something to say about it, while lurking on these forums I came across this:
Well, I can’t for my life remember in which thread I found it, I only remember it was in the Zbrush Main Forum. Anyway, this impressive piece of work was originally a Zbrush model, it was then printed (it is 13 inches tall if I remember correctly), and the painting was done by the same guys who printed it. The owner of the sculpt said it was done by “Ownage”, so I googled ownage and found the Ownage Manufacturing ( www.ownage.com ).
It’s a company specialized in making 3D prints of CHARACTERS made in Zbrush.
They seem to do 2 unique things when it comes to 3D printing. First, the amount of details is superb, they go as far as making hairlike structures by hand (see Dr.Root err… roots) and second, the incredible painting.
I’m yet to see a 3D print more impressive than this Dr.Root. :eek:
Haha. Yes, that’s my baby. Des is the guy at ownage responsible for bringing Dr Root to life and you can view his WIP thread here. LOTS of amazing prints from Ownage.
http://www.pixolator.com/showthread.php?t=65634&page=11&pp=15
Ohhh! Nice stuff indeed. Haven’t seen that thread before. 
heh… I wish I had desmoda’s skills at painting… 
WOW! I hadn’t yet seen the actual print of this. They did a wonderful job of bringing Dr. Root to life!!! most times when I see these, I’m very underwhelmed, but this looks fantastic. Reminds me of one of those cool Spawn action figures.
XN-Sigma & CMOFFIT - I’m in your debt. I’ve been following the 3D print thing for about 7 years, have a bunch of samples from various companies and machines, but they’re all STAIRSTEPPED. I never saw the OWNAGE thread this past year. Actually I’m pretty mad that it wasn’t top row with a big “3D PRINT” tag on it.
Anyway, this company looks pretty amazing. I am a bit nervous that they’re in China though… will your character suddenly appear in a HK market for $20 a piece?
Icreate- You have blown my mind. I’d like to see how clear these come out. MAKE YOUR OWN 3D PRINTER?? How can that even be possible when the real machines are barely toddlers!
Are you familiar with “Art Clay Silver/Gold”? It’s real silver or gold inside a clay base, that you fire, the clay burns away, and all the metal particles bond to themselves. It shrinks of course about 80%. It seems like this could be done as a 3D Print too, that would be awesome for instant jewelry.
I’m gonna have to do some sculpts for the city or something and get some money to pay for some 3D prints
The quality is finally getting there, so that just means prices should start dropping (hopefully).
Keep in touch, people!
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Subscribed…thanks!!
Well I believe the cost just depends on the economy of the country. But I think the cost is just worth it to reach our dreams which is to invent more micro fabrication machines and earn a profit.
They are really cool. I soon want to build like this.