In the field of architectural visualization, quality materials play a decisive role. Fine-tuning the surface of objects gives visualization depth, conviction and realism. Corona Renderer offers a powerful set of tools to create photorealistic scenes - exactly what 3D rendering services and CGI outsourcing professionals need.

One of the key components is the CoronaPhysicalMtl material. Below we will take a closer look at its main parameters and how to customize it to achieve the best results in 3D modeling and rendering.

 

 

1. Basic settings of CoronaPhysicalMtl

 

To get started, open Material Editor (hotkey M). In the window select: Material → Corona → CoronaPhysicalMtl. 

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- Metalness - determines whether the material has metallic properties. This affects the type of reflection and the behavior of light. Use Metal if you are creating metal, and Non-metal in other cases. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​- Thin Shell (no inside) - simulates a thin shell with no internal volume. Ideal for rendering sheet materials and transparent thin-walled surfaces, especially in interiors where detail is important without overloading the scene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Apply Preset - allows you to apply ready-made parameter sets (metal, glass, wood, etc.). This is indispensable in CGI outsourcing, when you need to quickly adapt visualization to specific client tasks. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Base Layer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Color - the base of the texture. It is loaded via Corona Bitmap and defines the appearance of the material. You can use the color map to achieve complex color transitions.

​​​​​​​​- Level - adjusts the influence of the Color parameter. A value of 1.0 means full influence, and 0.0 means no influence at all. For fine tuning, you can use values from 0.2 to 0.8.

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- Roughness - roughness parameter. It controls the degree of light scattering. Smooth surfaces have a low value (closer to 0), and matte and rough surfaces have a high value (up to 1). Using a roughness map enhances the effect of photorealistic 3D rendering.

- IOR (Index of Refraction) - Index of Refraction. One of the most important parameters in 3D rendering services, especially when creating glass, water, plastic. For example, glass has an IOR of ~1.5, while metal is above 2.0.

 

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3. Bump and Normal

 

Bump Mapping - allows you to visualize microrelief without increasing geometric density. It uses a monochrome map connected through Corona Normal. It is an effective way to add detail to 3D modeling and rendering without sacrificing performance. 

 

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4. Anisotropy

 

​​​- Anisotropy — sets the direction of reflections. The effect is often used for metals with a pronounced texture (e.g. brushed aluminum).

 

 

 

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- Amount - anisotropy strength. The higher the value, the clearer is the reflection direction.

- Rotation - controls the angle of orientation of the effect on the surface.

 

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5. Translucency

 

- Translucency — is responsible for the translucency of the material. Particularly relevant for fabrics, plastic and paper.

- Fraction — controls the fraction of light that passes through an object.

- Color — adjusts the color of light passing through the material. Usually the same map is used as iт 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6. Refraction

 

 

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- Refraction — controls how light passes through a material. It is used in the creation of glass, water, and other transparent bodies.
 

- Amount — the intensity of the effect.
- Caustics (slow) — simulates the refraction of light with spectrum separation (rainbow effect).

- Thin Absorption — determines the level of light absorption in thin materials.

- Dispersion — simulates the refraction of light with spectrum separation (rainbow effect).

 

 

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7. Opacity

 

- Opacity — degree of transparency. It is used for masking, creating cutout effects, meshes, decorative patterns. Values from 0 (fully transparent) to 1 (opaque).

 

 

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8. Displacement

 

- Displacement —is one of the key tools for creating realistic surface relief. Unlike Bump, it actually changes the geometry during the rendering process.

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- Water lvl — A parameter that allows you to control the level of relief (e.g., rippling water, rocky surfaces, deformations).

 

Setting up materials in Corona Renderer is an essential part of architectural visualization work. Working properly with CoronaPhysicalMtl allows you to create materials that look realistic and accurately capture texture, reflections, transparency and relief. This is especially important for studios providing 3D rendering services or CGI outsourcing, where accuracy, speed and photorealism are key requirements.

 

If you want to master photorealistic 3D rendering and create visualizations that impress your clients at first sight - material customization should be your priority. And if you're looking for professional help - our CGI Studio team can help you take your visualizations to the next level