I am working on the current NVidea MDL vMaterial Library and setting it up as DazStudio Shaders. If you look at the Shader Mixer and ponder what all those bricks do and how to link them together, this is for you. The FIRST set of 36 shaders is done and up at https://www.sharecg.com/v/88112/view/21/DAZ-Studio/IRAY-vMaterials-for-DAZ-Studio

This is pretty extensive as some MDL files actually have MULTIPLE set ups in them. But I am slugging through it and plan to have a set of 36 done and up every 1-3 days, depending on my mood and how long I can sit at my desk.

NOTE:

To use these shaders you MUST download and install the NVIDIA vMaterials located at:

https://developer.nvidia.com/vmaterials

If you do not have it installed all ready the vMaterials installer will prompt you to install the MDL Exchange.

The default install locations for these are:

vMaterials: C:Users(user)Documentsmdl

MDL Exchange: C:ProgramDataNVIDIA Corporationmdl

Once you have vMaterials installed you have 2 options in DazStudio to get them functioning.

Option 1: Move the vMaterials folder from its default location to DazStudio. C:Program FilesDAZ 3DDAZStudio4shadersiraynvidia (This is the default folder that D|S has older MDLs installed in.)

Option 2: Open DAZ Studio Shader Mixer goto Edit -> MDL Directory Manager add C:Users(user)Documentsmdl to the Base Paths

Any way jump over and grab these and have fun.

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
https://www.sharecg.com/pf/full_uploads.php?pf_user_name=mcdlabs

Sounds like fun!! thanks a lot!!

To my understanding the download from Nvidia (1.4 GB) is a 90 day trial. What happens after the trial period ends?

The vMaterial Library isn't a 90day trial they just have it located on their downloads page which have the IRay plug in 90 day trials for the various other applications. Same with the MDL Exchange. if you notice at the top the page reads NVIDIA® Iray® Plug-In 90 day Trial **AND ** vMaterial Download.

I cannot find an actual way to BUY VMaterials and to the best of my knowledge they are freely available. All a MDL file is is a text file anyway so not like it couldn't be copied. I will find out for positive though.

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
https://www.sharecg.com/pf/full_uploads.php?pf_user_name=mcdlabs

Well if that's the case, and I believe you're right, then this really is a great resource.

To Opening Poster / re:Opening Post

Sounds like a challenge I want to take up. I will attempt the steps once my computer is properly repaired. Thank you for posting this.

Eternal Hobbyist

 

DBL Checked and yes vMaterials is FREE. The assumption is that you normally have to purchase a $300 plug in to use them. The great thing about MDL is that the same Material works in any app using the IRAY. so the same MDL from Rhino will work in 3ds , may and DAZ. The only issue is DAZ uses the MDL behind the scenes, so you need to use them in the shader mixer to get a material into your respective shader libraries. As I dig deeper into the Shader Mixer and how the diferent MDL bricks work with each other I will ahe more and more fun with it.

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
https://www.sharecg.com/pf/full_uploads.php?pf_user_name=mcdlabs

OH also want to make a note: I changed the OPTIONs to make them work to one way point your MDL Directory Manager to where the MDL Exchange installed (ProgramDataNVIDIA Corporation...) Drag the vMaterial Folder to: ...Program FilesDAZ 3DDAZStudio4shadersiraynvidia

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
https://www.sharecg.com/pf/full_uploads.php?pf_user_name=mcdlabs

Mertext,

I used option 1 to install the vMaterials Library, then I installed your shaders. In order to get them to work, I had to copy the vMaterials textures to: ...DS4ContentnVidiavmaterialsaectextures.

I create a sphere and applied your "Fabric-Sheer-Leaves" shader. When I rendered using the default DS settings, all I got was a white sphere. My render and a screenshot of the Surfaces tab is attached. What am I doing wrong?

ok so you went to nVidea and downloaded and installed the vMaterials and the MDL Exchange correct?

https://developer.nvidia.com/vmaterials

AFTER installing that. you need to move the nvidea vMaterials to your core DazStudio installation should be under Program Files a shown above in the pictures. AND also as shown above use Daz Studio to point the MDL Directory Manager to the MDL Exchange path: C:\ProgramDataNVIDIA Corporation (This may not be necessary but I did it just in case)

DAZ Studio has to be able to locate the MDL files for the Shaders to work. Since I am suggesting to move the entire vMaterials folder to a location where the MDL files already are located I am assuming this is a built in directory. IF DazStudio cannot access the MDL, it cant interpret it.

The Shaders in the ZIP file are installed into your DAZ 3d Library. The shaders act as a go between between the MDL files and DAZStudio. Basically each MDL is a BRICK in the shader editor.

SO when you say you installed the vMaterials textures to: ...DS4ContentnVidiavmaterialsaectextures. Is that where you placed nVidea's vMaterials folder? If so that's the problem. Their folder contains more than just textures, it also contains mdl files (which are basically txt files) that tell iRay how to function. DazStudio isn't looking there for the mdl, its looking where I suggested you place it.

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
https://www.sharecg.com/pf/full_uploads.php?pf_user_name=mcdlabs

BAH sharecg is down and i have 80+ Metal shaders ready to go

and yes i cut the rendering short after 2-3 min so expect better quality than my pics. Hey its free don't complain.

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
https://www.sharecg.com/pf/full_uploads.php?pf_user_name=mcdlabs

mertext posted at 4:52PM Sun, 07 May 2017 - #4304665

ok so you went to nVidea and downloaded and installed the vMaterials and the MDL Exchange correct?

https://developer.nvidia.com/vmaterials

AFTER installing that. you need to move the nvidea vMaterials to your core DazStudio installation should be under Program Files a shown above in the pictures. AND also as shown above use Daz Studio to point the MDL Directory Manager to the MDL Exchange path: C:ProgramDataNVIDIA Corporation (This may not be necessary but I did it just in case)

DAZ Studio has to be able to locate the MDL files for the Shaders to work. Since I am suggesting to move the entire vMaterials folder to a location where the MDL files already are located I am assuming this is a built in directory. IF DazStudio cannot access the MDL, it cant interpret it.

The Shaders in the ZIP file are installed into your DAZ 3d Library. The shaders act as a go between between the MDL files and DAZStudio. Basically each MDL is a BRICK in the shader editor.

SO when you say you installed the vMaterials textures to: ...DS4ContentnVidiavmaterialsaectextures. Is that where you placed nVidea's vMaterials folder? If so that's the problem. Their folder contains more than just textures, it also contains mdl files (which are basically txt files) that tell iRay how to function. DazStudio isn't looking there for the mdl, its looking where I suggested you place it.

Thanks Mertex!! I copied everythingin vMaterials to my "...DS4ContentnVidia" and it all works now. Your metal shaders look awesome. I cannot wait to give them a try.

Thank you for all your efforts. Really like these.

This is a quote from you ShareCG post,

"These Materials are created by NVidea. I have only simply placed the mdl blocks in the Shader Mixer and saved the resulting .duf files for convienance to users who do not want to dig into the inner workings of MDL."

Could you do a mini tutorial on how this is done?

ProPose001 posted at 10:08AM Mon, 08 May 2017 - #4304684

Thank you for all your efforts. Really like these. >
Could you do a mini tutorial on how this is done?

Absolutely! Ill toss something together Today.

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
https://www.sharecg.com/pf/full_uploads.php?pf_user_name=mcdlabs

Amazing textures! Haven't seen anything like these for a while

Available on Amazon for the Kindle E-Reader

All the Woes of a World by Jonathan Icknield aka The Bryster

And in my final hours - I would cling rather to the tattooed hand of kindness - than the unblemished hand of hate...

This is fabulous! Thanks so much! I love fooling around with shaders ;)

Laurie

OH BTW all. I have the 2nd and 3rd set out set 2 has over 80 metal shaders

set 3 has water and oil (liquids) , Masonry (herringbone and red bricks), Paint (one color but with all the diferent finish types you can change the color of course) 2 types ofd Rubber flooring, and stone shaders (Terracotta, Granite, Marble & Quartz)

Yep got 2 out today, LOL

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
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File 4 is done and up at Sharecg https://www.sharecg.com/v/88159/view/21/DAZ-Studio/IRAY-vMaterials-for-DAZ-Studio-Part-4

has ceramic/stone tiles, stucco and wallpaper

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
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File 5 up ..44 Wood Shaders with stain options to expand exponentially.

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
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Last one Up and done. Put all the Design materials in a single file so no multiple downloads. https://www.sharecg.com/v/88268/view/21/DAZ-Studio/IRAY-vMaterials-for-DAZ-Studio-Design-Shaders

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
https://www.sharecg.com/pf/full_uploads.php?pf_user_name=mcdlabs

Alternate installation instructions:

Install the contents of the zip as normal to your content library.

in your content library create a folder called "MDL".

Download and install vMaterials from nVidea. https://developer.nvidia.com/vmaterials

Follow the installers instructions.

now go to the installation location. There is a folder there named "nvidea". inside the folder is a 2nd folder named vmaterials as well as the EULA from nVidea and a text file for the version.

Take nvidea folder and all its contents and move it to the "MDL" folder you created.

Finally in Daz Studio, open the Shade Mixer and point the MDL Directory Manager to the MDL folder you created.

This works in test on my system

aka MCDLabs
also known as Daniel Merrill a grumpy old disabled Jarhead.
checkout my freebies at
https://www.sharecg.com/pf/full_uploads.php?pf_user_name=mcdlabs

All your shaders are gone from sharecg. What happened??

Wow!! I see what happened!!! Totally Awesome. Thanks Man