this is an update to integrate the new ability of ZBrush R3 to export the FiberMesh as Guide Curves.

read the original post here

there are three new features:

• FiberCurve .obj import
• convert FiberCurves to strands
• and i added an option in the compounds that make them work together with Melena

download the zipped addon file

FiberCurve Import

under File>>Import you find the new FiberCurve Import Option

it allows you to import the FiberCurves as a single object with subcurves (recommended) or as lots of separate curves (bring your coffee along, this can take ages), and to set the degree (linear or cubic).

Convert FiberCurves to Strands

under Get>>Primitive>>FiberMesh To Strands you find the command FiberCurves To Strands to convert your imported curves to strands. depending on how you imported the curves, select either the single object or the group that has been created for the individual curves

Conform to Melena

on the compound property page there is a new option called ‘Add Root To StrandPosition’. use it together with ‘Initialize Strand Dynamics’ to simulate the strands with the Melena simulation framework.

installation instruction:

• addon: extract the addon and then either drag it into a viewport or install via the Addon Instalation Menu under File>>Add-On.
  this will add a new menu entry ‘FiberMesh To Strands’ under Get>>Primitive

in both cases, for softimage to know about the compounds, you have to either restart softimage or click the little update button in an ICE viewer (right next to the search field)

here’s a little intro video:

read about an update here

you can either download the zipped addon file or the bare compounds if you don’t need the luxury of an automated setup.
you do not need them both, one of them will suffice.

installation instruction:

• addon: extract the addon and then either drag it into a viewport or install via the Addon Instalation Menu under File>>Add-On.
  this will add a new menu entry ‘FiberMesh To Strands’ under Get>>Primitive
• compounds: extract them and save in a location of your choice (for example a workgroup)

in both cases, for softimage to know about the compounds, you have to either restart softimage or click the little update button in an ICE viewer (right next to the search field)

usage:

1. automatic:
   select your imported fibermesh
   run Get>>Primitive>>FiberMesh To Strands
   the command will setup a pointcloud containing the new strands. you can safely delete the original fiber mesh if you want.
2. manual:
   get an empty pointcloud
   create an icetree, bring in the ‘fe_Init FiberMesh Point Position Array’ compound and hook up the fiber mesh.
   

   optional: freeze the pointcloud
   create another icetree and connect in ‘fe_FiberMesh To Strands’ compound
   you will have to set the sides and segments parameters to the settings you have used in zbrush to create the fibers.
   

if you want to transfer color from a base mesh to the strands use the ‘fe_Fiber Emit Location’ compound together with a TextureMap on the base object

if you want to simulate the strands make sure to check ‘Initialize Strand Dynamics’ in the fibermesh PPG.

have fun

flo