making metal mesh

[Anonymous]

I'm completely new to GDL and I need to make walkways made out of perforated metal. I want it to be actually perforated (not just have a solid slab with a picture of perforated metal on it) so it can let light through in my renderings. I've tried making an object out of a rectangular block that I made by cutting holes out of a mesh but now i can't figure out how to trim it or alter its shape. I wish i could make an object that can be modified like a slab (where i can choose the number of sides) while it creates a uniform grid of holes of a size that i already defined. Anyone know if this is possible, and if yes, how?

thanks.

[Dwight]

Depending on how detailed you need, making a GDL mesh is viable, but creates too many polygons to be practical.
Shown below - mask method

--The picture/texture material method is the correct one, but by using an alpha channel mask, transparency can be created in the perforations.

--When commanded correctly, Lightworks will also turn the white (or black) parts of an image transparent in a rendering.

--Search the forum for further information or buy my book for detailed instructions.

--A simple but less precise alternative is to create a LightWorks material that has a transparency shader - wrapped grid - that will create transparent holes.

Both methods let light through.

[Dwight]

Here's the grid transparency method

[Anonymous]

Dwight, thank you very much. your tips have been very helpful. I'm currently abroad for a few months but once i get back to the US i'll be looking into purchasing an ArchiCad GDL book. what's the title of your book?

[Anonymous]

oh, nevermind i just saw the title of your book under your post. thanks again

[Dwight]

GDL refers to Ghoulish Demonic Lingo

MY book only has the one GDL trick in it.