3d printing a pretty face, life size. I cant seem to smooth it, I get the faceted Base Geometry
mayasmusings
Posts: 4
Hello, Im Thomas. Ive read up on base/high res geometry/the subdivisions parameter and exporting an obj file, no problem. I need current advice about a smooth 3d print, (a Daz render looks fine) is there nothing I can do to 3d print a smooth version of a pretty face exporting the obj. directly from Daz? The base geometry polygons are clearly visible on the 3d print. Im on Daz 4.9 pro, installed about 4 months ago.
I use meshmixer to make it water tight (I can convert the obj. to solid and remesh it, the 3d print is fine). BUT.. Id rather stick with Daz for this step, I prefer it, its just ..more classy. Is there a function in Daz I can use for this step?
Thank you for your interest, Thomas
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Comments
OBJ will export at the curent SubD level, so leave the resolution set to high. You may also be able to divide the mesh in your editing application.
You'll always get facets unless you set the subd so high that the faces are smaller than the printer can print. Which might crash the printer.
The smooth look of objects in render and viewport is due to smooth surface presentation which is computer fakery. It's not the real onject shape. A 3D printer can only print the real shape. smoothing is not an option.
Exported objects should have their display subd level set as high as you can handle, either in Studio or the printer application, which ever is lowest. You can use the gear icon to change the limits of the subd just like any other property, but the more subd, the more CPU/memory load for Studio. You do need resolution set to high, because there's no mesh smoothing other wise, just smaller and smaller faces. but if you don't change the subd level before export, the faces are only going to be divided 1, and that probably isn't enough, since your Obj export should already be that, unless you were changing the subd setting to zero.
When using additive manufacturing, in order to get "smooth" surfaces one needs to overprint the object (scale it up ever so slightly) and then sand/polish/sculpt the surface into the true shape desired.
Kendall
I'm still pondering the use of a life size 3D DAZ face since it can only be for personal use and not commercial. Would love to see an image if you get it sorted out.
You mean like "postwork", with a modelling knife or Dremel tool, and fine grade SANDPAPER?!
I guess I was kind of hoping it would come out smooth like "Warriors Of The World" by Marx. (They were smooth surface, injection moulded 1960's action figures. White styrene plastic. Came in a little box the size of a deck of cards.)