gradation across multiple objects

[Pepster3D]

I've attached a sample image to show you what I'm looking to accomplish in Keyshot.

Is there a way to apply a gradation texture onto multiple shapes, as if they were 1 shape?  In other words if I have 50 circles in a grid pattern, can I apply a gradation to them as a whole instead of 50 separate gradation?  So the gradation will go from the right of the screen to the left covering all circles as if they were 1 object?

Thanks!

[edwardo]

Just make sure all the surfaces are grouped/the same colour/in the same layer when you export them from your CAD package of choice.

[thomasteger]

Sorry for the delayed response, Darlene. Took a break from racing to answer your post - LOL.

You can simply a material at the top level of the model in the scene tree, or copy and paste with link (shift left click / shift right click) any material that you applied to one of the squares. Then you can treat the objects as one single object.

I hope this helps.

[Pepster3D]

Thank you Edwardo and Thomas!  I'll give it a whirl.

[Pepster3D]

Hi-OK, it's not working for me.  I've attached a screen capture of my scene.  A group of squares with the same material ID but the texture is treated separately by each square even though they are in the same group.

[thomasteger]

You imported this as a single file I assume?

[Pepster3D]

Yes-I made the squares in 3DS Max and grouped them.  Exported them via the Keyshot plugin as a bip.  All 1 file.

[thomasteger]

Can you send it to me?

[Pepster3D]

Sure, here's a file. I tried grouping the squares a few different ways, but still can't get 1 gradation across all shapes.

Thanks!

[thomasteger]

Thanks. Can you send the original CAD file so we can look at that too?

[Pepster3D]

The original file is in 3DS Max.  Do you want a max file or do you want 3ds or obj?

[thomasteger]

The Max file please. We have it here.

[Pepster3D]

Here's a max file...

[Rex]

This appears to be a bug with the 3ds bip exporter. If I export as obj it works fine.

[Pepster3D]

Weird.  OK I'll try obj.  Thanks T