1 Topic by seniffx

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Topic: 3d detail nature question

I understand that any complex 3d model is made of many geometric faces.  When I started using daz studio, I used the free models that came with it.  They look smooth and realistic.  When I saved it as an ojb file and imported it into blender, the model looked blocky with all faces looking flat instead of rounded.  But when I saved it as a collida in daz, and imported into blender, the model retained its smooth realistic look.  Now in meshlab, I am able to see the model with flat faces, or smooth faces.  My question is, which will the printer print?, flat and blocky, or smooth and realistic?  Why was the smoothness not imported into blender using ojb?  And if the smoothness was lost with ojb, and I converted the ojb to stl, would it print blocky?  Thankies!

2 Reply by ronsii

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Re: 3d detail nature question

In Daz the 'smooth faces' are how the renderer shows them to you, the actual object is composed of the blocky faces.

3 Reply by cckens

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Re: 3d detail nature question

The more faces. the smoother the model will look (depending on the angle of the facets; if >30deg they're pretty blocky).  A higher rez model will be smoother, but may take longer to slice.  It's a trade off really.

4 Reply by seniffx

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Re: 3d detail nature question

Thanks for the help guys!

What is the difference between the actual "flat face" model data and the "smooth face" model data?  If some formats can save both into the file, can the smooth version be saved separate?  Any way to slice the smooth version for 3d printing or at least get the most detail from it?

Do most formats save the model with the same amount of faces and polygons?  Or is there a format that will save with more detail compared to others?  What is the best way for me to save a daz model with the greatest detail?

5 Reply by cckens

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Re: 3d detail nature question

As I recall DAZ models use dynamic smoothing (someone chime in if I'm wrong), so you can move between resolutions.  When you export the model, you choose the resolution to export.  A middle of the line resolution should be a good compromise with enough facets to smooth the edges on print.

I believe that YSB uses either Poser to create his figures.

http://www.soliforum.com/topic/1260/sorceress-figurine/

6 Reply by seniffx

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Re: 3d detail nature question

"A middle of the line resolution should be a good compromise"

I dont understand what you mean by this.

7 Reply by cckens

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Re: 3d detail nature question

Simply that the highest resolution mesh may take orders of magnitude longer to slice and yield very little gain in detail as filament printing is not advanced to print really small details..  Too low a resolution and you will lose details.  Somewhere in the middle is probably where you want to go.  I can't tell you what that is... it's based on the model.  You will need to play around with your models and the slicing software and see what gets you the best results.

You can download a slicer and play with it.  Kisslicer is pretty good.  Search the forum and you should be able to find people who have used it.

8 Reply by seniffx

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Re: 3d detail nature question

The Air Wolf 3d XL features.....

Positioning precision:     .04 mm
Nozzle diameter (mm):     .5 ( .35 is optional)
Layer thickness (mm):     .25 (.1 to .4 possible)

When the .35 nozzle becomes available with the improved hot end in December, I will get it to take full advantage of the printers great detail capability.  Would you consider this great precision?  Naturally I want to make sure I export my model for slicing using every little detail I can get out of the printer.  Which is why I would love to simply use the "dynamic smoothing" portion of the exported obj/collada file to edit and print.  Or at least be able to get more poly density than the boxy flat faced version.

FYI when exporting in daz, it will not include the "smooth version" of the model unless the "unity" option is selected.

9 Reply by ronsii

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Re: 3d detail nature question

I have a .25mm for one of my SD printers and I can say it does look better in a side by side comparison than a .35 or .4(depending on model) but.... the down side is the amount of problems/side-effects you can get with clogging and other issues related to the smaller orifice which is more than likely why solidoodle changed to the .4mm standard nozzle from the .35 they started with.