How to Prepare a Model for 3D Printing in ZBrush

If you want to print a 3D model using ZBrush, there are a few important steps you need to follow to ensure your model is printable and of good quality. This guide will help you prepare your model for 3D printing, ensuring it is optimized and ready for the printing process.

Understanding Low Poly Models

Low Poly is a term frequently used in ZBrush and other digital modeling software. It refers to models created with a ‘low polygon count’, meaning they consist of a relatively small number of flat polygons. This type of model is ideal for 3D printing for several reasons, including its file size and memory efficiency, which can help speed up the printing process.

Low poly models are commonly used in video games to reduce the load on the game's memory. Similarly, in ZBrush, a low poly model is a texture that simulates the appearance of many flat polygons. This reduces the file size and is useful when memory efficiency is a concern. The model can appear detailed and realistic, despite the relatively low number of polygons.

Necessity of No Textures

When preparing your model for 3D printing in ZBrush, it’s essential to ensure that no textures are applied to the model. Applying textures can result in a higher file size and may interfer with the printing process. Textures are 2D images or patterns applied to 3D models to give them the appearance of having more detail. However, for 3D printing, it’s better to use a simpler model without textures.

Complexity and Printability

In addition to ensuring your model is low poly and texture-free, it’s also important to consider the complexity of the model. A too-complex model can take much longer to print and may not be as sturdy as a simpler model. This is because complex models require more detailed printing, which can increase the time and cost of the printing process. It’s important to find a balance between detail and printability.

To help you decide on the level of detail, one useful method is to consider the intended use of the final 3D print. For example, if you plan to print something that will be used in a video game like Dungeon Defenders 2, you might need more detailed armor pieces. However, in this case, it’s important to realize that each armor piece might require a different texture. In ZBrush, you would need to use a different brush for each part of the armor and ensure that all textures are created, drawn, or scanned by hand and divided into tiles.

Conclusion

Preparing a model for 3D printing in ZBrush involves several key steps, including ensuring your model is low poly, texture-free, and not overly complex. By following these guidelines, you can create models that are optimized for 3D printing and result in high-quality prints.