Sculpteo and ZBrush Partner for One-Click 3D Printing

There are a lot of different 3D modeling programs out there, each offering something a little different to appeal to different tastes. One of the most popular is ZBrush, which is well-loved because it takes a different approach to 3D modeling. Rather than using CAD, ZBrush appeals more to traditional artists by letting users “sculpt” using 3D pixels, or pixols. It’s a user-friendly software that doesn’t require any CAD skills and offers a lot of design freedom, letting users sculpt, texture and paint using a series of digital brushes.

ZBrush fans now have something new to get excited about, as Pixologic, the company behind the software, has announced a new partnership with Sculpteo. Through the partnership, the two companies intend to make 3D printing more accessible by allowing users to 3D print their models with only one click.

Like ZBrush, Sculpteo prizes accessibility, offering a wide range of 3D printing and laser cutting services for a reasonable price. The service bureau is always among the first to begin using new 3D printing materials and technologies, bringing them to the public shortly after they’re released. It’s one of the most popular 3D printing service bureaus in existence, and its partnership with ZBrush makes it even more accessible to the multitudes of designers who use the software.

“3D printing is taking a new step forward, as ZBrush’s millions of users no longer need to click on the Sculpteo button to receive their design printed in 3D,” said Clément Moreau, CEO and Co-Founder of Sculpteo. “This manufacturing process is almost instantaneous and merges even more the frontier between digital and material.”

It now takes only one click for ZBrush users to have their models 3D printed through Sculpteo. ZBrush does not define the specific size of the model while designing, so Sculpteo and Pixologic had to develop a plugin that would allow users to define the dimensions of the model to be 3D printed. Users can also choose from among the 80 materials that Sculpteo offers, as well as texture, color and consistency.

“Sculpteo naturally stood out as our ideal partner, providing an optimized user experience with powerful and simple software tools combined with high-quality manufacturing,” said Jaime Labelle, COO of Pixologic.

Pixologic, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is based in California, making it the latest US partner to join with the France-based Sculpteo. The US is an important market for Sculpteo; according to the company, 40% of its income comes from the United States and it has several partners in the country – with more to come. The partnership with Pixologic, says Sculpteo, “is a great example of how additive manufacturing can connect industries together and how Sculpteo is getting more and more integrated in the US market.”

Ease of use is a priority for many 3D designers, and ZBrush provides that to its users. Now, through the partnership with Sculpteo, the entire process from design to 3D print will be even easier, quicker and more streamlined. Many ZBrush users are likely Sculpteo fans already, but this partnership should certainly generate at least a few more of then. Discuss in the ZBrush Sculpteo forum at 3DPB.com.