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# 12 13-11-2010 , 08:13 PM
G-Man's Avatar
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Bowling Green. Kentucky U.S.A.
Posts: 810
DAve mate, On something like this, just to keep poly count in check, you might try setting the mesh up as if you were planning to smooth it, but just soften the normals instead. Larger pieces that can be seen better this will not work for but smaller detail pieces this is a great solution, instead of making a bolt for instance that is 100 polys after smooth to look good. Have one that's 15 polys or what ever with softened normals, Unless you plan on having up close and really tight shots on all the detail.

For mid range and small details though, The soften edge on a mesh set up for smoothing gives you the same effect of roundness, With the added bonus that you can always smooth it later with no additional effort if you want, since its set up like that already.

hope that made sense

G-man


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