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Dielectric

A component for representing the specific reflectance properties of non-metals such as plastics. The reflections are not affected by the material's color but are defined by the incident light.

This component follows Fresnel's Law where the amount of reflectance varies based on the angle of view. For example, viewing a carbon fiber type object at very shallow angles results in almost complete reflectance whereas looking straight on, the object exhibits less reflectance. This Fresnel falloff can be defined explicitly by setting reflectance values for 0˚ (when looking at the middle of a spherical object) and 90˚ (when looking at a spherical object's edge). You can define how quickly the falloff varies between 0˚ and 90˚ via an exponent parameter. The Fresnel effect can also be controlled by specifying the Index of Refraction, which effectively defines the above values for you.

This is the same as the AnisotropicDielectric component without additional control over Anisotropy.

Editing a component using Dielectric

Diffuse

DiffuseColour

Defines the basic color of the component. This can be a single color value or a texture map.

Input: Color or Map

DiffuseColour: White
DiffuseColour: White
DiffuseColour: Black
DiffuseColour: Black
DiffuseColour: Red
DiffuseColour: Red

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Reflection

Roughness

Simulates the level of polish. Higher values will result in more blurred reflections. Can be used to create powdery or frosted looking materials.

Input: 0.0 – 1.0 or Map

Roughness: 0.0
Roughness: 0.0
Roughness: 0.1
Roughness: 0.1
Roughness: 0.5
Roughness: 0.5

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ReflectedColour

Can be used to control the color of reflections or, using grayscale, the amount of reflections.

Input: Color or Map

ReflectedColour: White
ReflectedColour: White
ReflectedColour: Black
ReflectedColour: Black
ReflectedColour: Red
ReflectedColour: Red

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Exponent

Controls how quickly the shininess changes between the NormalReflectivity and GrazingReflectivity values (see below) as you move across the surface.

Range: 0.01 – 25.0

Exponent: 0.1
Exponent: 0.1
Exponent: 1.0
Exponent: 1.0
Exponent: 5.0
Exponent: 5.0

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NormalReflectivity

Controls how shiny the object appears when viewed straight on. Materials of this type typically display little reflectance at 0˚ to the camera.

Input: 0.0 – 1.0 or Map

NormalReflectivity: 0.0
NormalReflectivity: 0.0
NormalReflectivity: 0.1
NormalReflectivity: 0.1
NormalReflectivity: 0.5
NormalReflectivity: 0.5

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GrazingReflectivity

Controls how shiny the object appears when viewed at a very shallow angle. Materials of this type typically display higher reflectance at 90˚ to the camera.

Input: 0.0 – 1.0 or Map

GrazingReflectivity: 0.0
GrazingReflectivity: 0.0
GrazingReflectivity: 0.5
GrazingReflectivity: 0.5
GrazingReflectivity: 1.0
GrazingReflectivity: 1.0

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UseIOR

Ignores the NormalReflectivity, GrazingReflectivity, and Exponent settings, and instead uses the IOR parameter (see below) to define the falloff curve.

Input: On/Off Checkbox

Refraction

IOR

Index of Refraction. Controls the amount of reflection and shape of the falloff curve. UseIOR must be ticked.

Range: 0.0 – 50.0

IOR: 0.0
IOR: 0.0
IOR: 2.5
IOR: 2.5
IOR: 10.0
IOR: 10.0

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Coating Layer Only

Weight

Weight

Gives control over the contribution of the layer to the overall material appearance. A value of 1.0 will completely block any effect of any material layers below. A value of 0.0 will remove the layer's contribution to the overall material appearance.

Input: 0.0 – 1.0 or Map

Weight: 0.1
Weight: 0.1
Weight: 0.5
Weight: 0.5
Weight: 1.0
Weight: 1.0

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Bump Map

Normal

Allows you to set a bump map to simulate surface detail and control the intensity and orientation of the effect.

Input: 0.0 –, or Map

Normal: 0.2
Normal: 0.2
Normal: 1.0
Normal: 1.0
Normal: 3.0
Normal: 3.0

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Material Components using Dielectric

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Base

Dielectric: CeramicTiles
CeramicTiles
Dielectric: ConcretePolished
ConcretePolished
Dielectric: ConcreteRough
ConcreteRough
Dielectric: Glossy
Glossy
Dielectric: Masonry
Masonry
Dielectric: Rubber
Rubber
Dielectric: StonePolished
StonePolished
Dielectric: Wood
Wood
Dielectric: WoodVarnished
WoodVarnished

Coating

Dielectric: CeramicGlaze
CeramicGlaze
Dielectric: ClearCoat
ClearCoat
Dielectric: GlossVarnish
GlossVarnish
Dielectric: MatteVarnish
MatteVarnish


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