How to accurately render textures from pre-existing objects

[ldichiara]

Hi All -
I have modeled a pen design in Solidworks from an existing design which I have to evaluate with different texture treatments - however some of these details have to remain identical and faithful to the original pen design. These texture patters are quite intricate - so they would be very difficult to 'model' in Solidworks; what I am trying to do is achieve the visualization through using Keyshot. I've attached a sample shot to show the type of texture I am trying to capture. This would need to look seamless along the body of the pen. Has anyone done something like this before?
I have run some tests using opacity and bump map applications (achieved an iteration of the pattern but it was broken up and not satisfactory for what I need), and have also tried using a label (did not achieve the desired results)
Any insight would be appreciated as I have several styles which I am going to need to use this type of application on.

Thank you,

Lenny

[Rex]

Make sure you are using the cylindrical mapping type for your textures.

You can refer to this video for more information: http://youtu.be/WJnpKuJs6tw?t=1m48s

Will you be creating the bump and opacity maps yourself or are you using found images?

[ldichiara]

Rex -
That is what I am trying to figure out - what the best approach is.
I have the existing pen designs (the attached image was a photograph of a real pen, not a CAD model)
So I can photograph and pull textures from the existing pens - or I need to figure out the best way to match the
patterns | textures. Modeling them into the products in these cases will be too involved so I think the best approach is
to 'fake it' as accurately as I can. Any suggestions?

I haven't really played around with custom bump maps as I've never had the real need to to this point - but if this is the way to go, I'll look into it.

Thank you.

Lenny

[Rex]

Lenny,

I would suggest digitally creating a custom normal map similar to the one I have attached. Filter forge has a photoshop plugin that will allow you to make your artwork into normal maps (http://filterforge.com/) They also have a forum and some tutorials that can provide further assistance.

[Deadlift315]

ldichiara,

There is an awesome normal mapping tool that I often use when making game assets that would work great for your situation. It is called Ndo2
and is part of a set of digital artist tools know as the Quixel suite.

They are releasing new versions of their software and are currently in open beta. At the moment you can try the software out for free!

http://www.quixel.se/