ProMaterials vs Vray

[Steve_Bennett]

For the Vray users out there: I have a user asking if Vray can utilize the ProMaterials in 3ds MAX Design 2009. Since I don't have Vray, perhaps one of you who does can answer this?

[dellis]

I'm almost positive that they can't since the pro materials are MR specific...under the hood stuff. I have heard some rumblings that there may be a converter on the horizon though.

[kauffman]

You are correct. ProMaterials are a MR specific material. They are for all intents and purposes preconfigured and simplified versions of the Arch & Design material. If believe there are some similar types of "canned" materials out there for VRay that are based on the standard VRay material. These are based on scripts if I am not mistaken.

All in all, the ProMaterials were a way to achieve better interoperatability between Revit with 3dsmax from the material side of things. Revit 2009 has MR integrated now and utilizes the ProMaterials as well.

Hope this was useful.

Mark Kauffman
Technical Lead
Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc.
kauffman@pbworld.com

[Steve_Bennett]

Thanks guys! Hard to figure this stuff out without Vray...