topic Re: Triangle mesh versus square mesh in Mudbox Forum

Triangle mesh versus square mesh

Anonymous — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 16:17:02 GMT

I am working on an object created by David 3D scanner. The scanner creates the model with a triangle mesh.

From previous discussions, I have got the impression that working with square mesh gives better results.

After changing the mesh from triangle to square (retopology) I did the requested changes in both meshes. I haven't faced any difference, both gave me the same results. Moreover, the triangle mesh looks more coherent and homogenous.

I wonder if there's a reason to move to the square mesh? what are the changes that will be difficult to achieve in the triangle mesh?

Can I use both meshes in 3D printing? Are there any difference in printing square / triangle mesh?

Another question:

Is there a way to relocate XYZ axis? When I locate the object on its base the X axis isn't horizontal and the Y axis isn't vertical. Thus, it's difficult to rotate the object around its base vertically.

Thanks a lot

Udi

Re: Triangle mesh versus square mesh

sergimen2001 — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 19:40:54 GMT

Hi:

Well, going part by part:

In 3D printing you can use the 2 kind of meshes: quads or tris, but, when you export the quadified mesh to the final stl format, the mesh always will be triangulated,(is the diagonal that divide every quad face, and is hidden in a poly object).

In my experience, I prefer work with quads in Mudbox. The Quads always subdivide better than tris and not produce so many "poles". The poles can prodcue some artifacts when you texture the model in Mudbox.

About the XYZ Axis:

In Mudbox, select the object and so, select some of the 3 transform tools: Translate, Scale or Rotate. In the tools options yo can click the "Center Pivot" Button. and that is going to recenter the pivot in the mesh. In the Pivot numeric fields you can enter numeric values to move the pivot in any of the 3 axis.

If you do so kind of transform,(translate,rotate or scale) remember that you can Freeze de transforms in the Menu Edit>Freeze Transforms, in similar way than in 3DS MAX.(think if you want to do it too...) 😉

Re: Triangle mesh versus square mesh

Anonymous — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 08:29:45 GMT

Does it means that 3D printers require STL format?

I haven't seen in Mudbox an option to export STL format, it means that I
have to use another package to convert OBJ / MUD to STL? Which package?

What does all those conversions do to the model?

Thanks a lot

Udi

Re: Triangle mesh versus square mesh

nb-dante — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 13:06:20 GMT

Usually the axis oriebtation comes YZX or XYZ so most of the time you'll be adjusting your models using 90 degree angles.
There is a plugin that comes with Mudbox it gives you the possibility to export PLY and STL (it works only for one mesh at the time) you can find them in .../Mudbox/SKD/plugins

Re: Triangle mesh versus square mesh

Anonymous — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 20:54:57 GMT

Couldn't find export to STL plugin in "c:\Program Files\Autodesk\Mudbox 2016\plugins\".

Can you send me a link for download?

3D printers print only STL file?

Thanks a lot

Udi

Re: Triangle mesh versus square mesh

nb-dante — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 05:47:27 GMT

not c:\Program Files\Autodesk\Mudbox 2016\plugins\ but c:\Program Files\Autodesk\Mudbox 2016\SDK\plugins\

Re: Triangle mesh versus square mesh

sergimen2001 — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 13:35:36 GMT

Mudbox only exports files and meshes in 2 formats: OBJ and FBX.

For STL, I use Meshmixer after I finish my 3D Sculpts in Mudbox. In meshmixer I finish meking the final setup to the sculpt previous to generate the STL file ready for 3D printing: Scale, Hollow, and continue retouchig to the areas of the sculpt if necessary, to pass the wall thickness for every material.

Re: Triangle mesh versus square mesh

sergimen2001 — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 13:38:18 GMT

Is better use Meshmixer. The Plugin you said only export to STl triangulating the mesh, but not make the lot of necessary reparations for generate an ready to print STL file.