Sculpting a Mech Arm in ZBrush

Want to create futuristic mechs or robots using Zbrush's powerful hard surface modelling tools?

In this second volume, aimed at the beginner/ intermediate Zbrush artist, we look at how to create a realistic mech or robot arm. Although a relatively simple object to model, it offers a varied amount of complexity and a great opportunity to become more familiar with the skills we will need to create more involved models later on.

What You Will Learn

Learn how to model the mech arm starting from a basic ZSphere base and sculpt a concept mesh to establish our design and principle forms. From there we will use insert meshes, primitives, clip brushes, polygoups, panel loops and many other tools with Zbrush's powerful Dynamesh functionality to create a finally high poly model.

The tutorial is divided into "easy-to-digest" individual video chapters for better material absorption.

Topics Covered Include:

• ZSpheres
  
• Hard surface modelling with Dynamesh.
• Using Polygoups and masks.
• Modelling with the Transpose tools.
• Using the Clip-curve and Slice-curve brushes for precision modelling.
• Panel Loops.
• Custom alphas.
• Problem solving trouble spots.
• Making custom insert mesh brushes.
  
• ZRemesher.
  
• And more!

Chapter List

• 01 The ZSphere Base Mesh (00:09:00)
• 02 The Concept Mesh (00:27:47)
• 03 The Concept Mesh Part 2 (00:29:30)
• 04 The Concept Mesh Part 3 (00:16:41)
• 05 Rebuilding The Forearm (00:36:56)
• 06 Rebuilding the Forearm Part 2 (00:19:06)
• 07 Rebuilding The Forearm Part 3 (00:20:23)
• 08 Building The Upper Arm (00:19:30)
• 09 Building The Upper Arm Part 2 (00:19:22)
• 10 Building The Upper Arm Part 3 (00:27:11)
• 11 Building The Hand (00:24:44)
• 12 Building The Hand Part 2 (00:29:10)
• 13 Building The Hand Part 3 (00:25:46)
• 14 Finishing The Hand (00:22:10)
• 15 Finishing The Model (00:30:19)
  

Software Used

Zbrush 4R6 (Optional image editor like Photoshop or Gimp for creating custom alphas)

Running Time

6 Hours

Format

Full HD 1080