deep ribbed horizontal metal panel

[SgWRX]

hello. i was looking at doing a normal map for deep ribbed metal horizontal metal panel. 3" deep, 3 ribs, 24" wide x 6' long. i'm finding that even though i did projection mapping to create the normal map, it just isn't as satisfying as actually modeling it.

 

so my question is, could i be doing something wrong and/or has anyone been able to do a material like this that is satisfying without doing displacement mapping?

 

thanks,

[Chris MacDonald]

I always model cladding panels unless there's a really crazy deadline. It just looks infinitely better than bump/normal mapping. Failing that, I'd go with displacement.

 

Do you have an example of 1) what you're trying to achieve, and 2) what you've got so far?

[John Dollus]

I would just model something that deep. It will render much faster than such a severe displacement map

[SgWRX]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]53841[/ATTACH]

 

yeah, i think there's no way i could get anywhere near this with normal mapping. disp map yes, but the areas i'm looking at covering are pretty much strait and not that many. i'm not too good with displacement mapping. i've found that i need to model a high-poly base to get decent results without having to crank up displacement settings. but it worked well the last time i did it.

 

i've already modeled vertical ribbed CMU. the thing is i'm going to be close enough to see.

[Corey Beaulieu]

I would always model it too, but if ever you need such a map, model a small, square section that would tile and render it with Render Elements like ZDepth and Normal and any others you may want. Use the Ortho camera and a high resolution render size.

[SgWRX]

yeah, modeling was the way to go even when the camera was farther away. yeah i think normal maps are best for smaller details. i have done some ceiling tiles with normal maps that turned out great! but 3" deep ribs just seem to be too much to ask.

 

i've found myself wondering baout this more and more as i do siding, standing seam metal, ribbed etc.. i have gotten good results on other CMU using bump maps, unless you're close up and need displacement.

[Chris MacDonald]

I find with the number of tools available, it makes more sense (from a quality perspective) to model cladding panels. The sweep modifier will do most horizontal (kingspan/microrib type) panels, whilst floor generator and railclone can handle most others.