Hey Guys,
Im a product designer and im new to blender. ive started a new job that uses blender as their rendering software.
i have a little experience years ago with studio max.
i make my models in solid edge and then export the assemblies to blender, where i add textures into already existing “studio” blender scenes.
the .stl file that i export from solid edge has all of the different components saved under the 1 .stl file
The guy before me had pro skills in blender. he seemed to be able to export from solidedge as a single .stl file,
import into blender and what looks like very easily separating out the different components into a multi body mesh so he can individually add materials to each different component.
i cant work out how he does this. its also such a specific task i cant seem to find a tutorial that would be beneficial.
I currently have two methods for adding materials to my new models.
my first method is to export different .stl files from solid edge. I group the components together based on material i.e all stainless fasteners, all powder coated components, all plastic components etc etc…
(when i have assemblies with over 500 components this can take 2 hours just to organize & export to blender)
or i use the brush tool to select and “paint the faces” of the mesh i need to add a material to.
again, with so many components this takes HOURS!!!
is there a way to select “bodies” of a mesh???
whats the most efficient way of adding materials to parts of a mesh?
are there ways of hiding sections of a mesh so you dont have the brush overlap when selecting parts of a mesh?
im attaching a very simple blender file to show you what i see. id be really grateful is someone can have a look and explain to me the method he used to individually add materials to different parts of the model.
thank you for your time
Attachments
example2.blend (1.34 MB)
