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While hardware manufacturer continue to push the limits of data processing speed,
three-dimensional modelers like us are pushing our computers even harder. It
goes without saying then that when an opportunity presents itself to reduce the
time constraints of our work, we take full advantage... or at least we should!
There are many ways to reduce your rendering times, just one of which I will
explain in this tutorial. What I'm about to show you is by no means a secret.
In fact, every serious 3d modeler should have it in their arsenal. The little
trick we'll learn today is called transparency mapping. That's right,
no longer do you have to model or render that chain-link fence as thousands of little
solids. With transparency mapping, you can assign a transparent mesh material to the transparent areas!
One thing to keep in mind as you read this, or any other tutorial, is that there is
always more than one way to skin a cat. I.E. Don't assume that this is the only or the best way to accomplish our goal. For the purpose of this tutorial, we will create a chain-link mesh
material that, when rendered, is transparent in the locations we specify. Take a minute to catch your breath, grab
a snicky-snack and strap in for the ride of your life! Ok so maybe it's not
that exciting, but it will save you loads of rendering time.
To
make following along easier, you should download the mesh map
and the stainless steel map. This tutorial assumes that you know the
basics of how materials work in Revit.
1.
Open up Revit, start a new project and go to Settings > Materials
2. In the Materials dialog box, choose “Default” or any other material for that matter… and click Duplicate. The New Material dialog will open, type “Mesh” and click OK
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