Anyone else having this problem with UVW Mapping?

[stj5566]

Hi

I am trying to import/merge a simple metal stool into an indoor scene that I am trying to render with mental ray in 3DS MAX. The metal stool was created with 3DS MAX also.

When I assign Autodesk Metal material to the stool and render it, I get the following

message: “The following objects require map coordinates and may not render correctly”.

This problem is resolved by adding UVW Map modifier to the stack.

I did not use any maps what so ever when defining the material. I just adjusted the reflection settings to simulate a shiny metal.

The strange thing is that if I assign Arch & Design material to the stool and render the scene, this message does not pop up and the scene renders fine.

The stranger thing is that if I create the same metal stool in the scene without importing, 3DS MAX does not show this error message and the stool is rendered without having to assign the UVW Map modifier.

I have two questions

1. Is there something different about Autodesk Metal that requires it to have mapping coordinates even though no maps are assigned?
2. Do I have to assign UVW Map modifier for all imported assets even if they are constructed with 3DS MAX?

I would greatly appreciate any comments on this

Thank you.

[Steve_Curley]

The Autodesk Materials rely heavily on bitmaps (so you don't have to) but by doing so yes, they do require proper UVs on the model. This is nothing out of the ordinary. The Arch&Design material doesn't use any maps by default, but if you were to use one (a bitmap in any of the available map slots) then that material would produce the same error.
Doesn't matter what s/ware was used to create the model. If the person who created it failed to properly UV the model, or failed to choose export options which preserve them and if you wish to use materials which make use of bitmaps then yes you need to create UVs for the model.

[stj5566]

Thanks, your explanations helped me alot.