MR Contour shader, customising shaders

[Dave Jones]

Hi, Having recently bought my Viz 2005 upgrade, ive been exploring mental ray alot recently to see what extra benifits i can gain from having it.

 

I've especially been using the contour shader, but the standard shader settings are very limiting, and it seems very difficult to tailor the results.

 

For example, when a contour is displayed due to angle changes on the surface, some conours show when you don't want them, and others don't show when you do, this preset seems impossible to change without actually editing the shader itself.

 

Also, i'm wondering if it is possible to have a semi-transparent object show contours through itself?

 

I know the best solution would be to use Finaltoon or Brazil rs, but i really want to get what i can out of mental ray. Can anybody help with regard to editing, and tweaking shaders for Mental Ray, or guide me to a good place for helpfiles and advice?

[c.klaassen]

Hi Dave,

 

I'm also playing with contour shaders, but in max 2009. I'm assuming the options will be the same.

 

If you drag the contour contrast map into a material slot in your material editor, you get a lot more options chosing between material contours or face etc.

 

If you increase the depth then you are also able to see the lines through glass objects.

 

My only problem is that i can't seem to change the quality settings of the actual lines to make sure they are constantly crisp.

 

Hope that helps.

Chris

[c.klaassen]

wooops, just seen how old this thread is...

[Tommy Burns]

Lol

 

Chris try the ink and paint shader for contours its great!! You can also use a material with it if you like

 

Tommy

2009

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

I agree. I tend to like the Ink and Paint shader better than the contour shaders.

[thorsten hartmann]

Hi

 

use the XSI-Toon Shader in 3dsdmax. Look here:

 

http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=6&t=767636&highlight=XSI+Toon+hot+chip