How to Create profiled metal sheet

[vicoars]

Hi all,

I am new in 3DsMAX...

I have a project to visualize a small production line of a factory. wall and roof using profiled metal sheet.

Now, what is the best way to create the profiled metal sheet? because currently my metal wall sheet is flat.

Based on my research, I know I have 3 option here:

1. we can build the metal sheet profile in 3D, but I want this to be my last option because I prefer to control my polygon counts (that's why I do not post this in modelling sub forum)

2. we can use jpg image as the texture (I've tried this, but I don't have good image and I don't know how to edit the image best way)

3. we can use bump map to show the feel of 3D in Flat surface.

Now, my interest is in bump map, and this is my big question: how to create bump map image (the black and white to show the depth of a surface) if I have the 3D model (create the model from 2D profile taken from the manufacturer is very easy)? Up to now, I haven't found this metal sheet profile bump map image.

So? any better work around to create profiled metal sheet with specific profile?

If there's already a topic about this, please direct me to that topic.

Thank you very much for your attention and your time.

Best regards.

Victor.

[rendermaster]

it would be best if you post a reference image of the profile you want to use...there are lots  of it and we dont know what do you want. 
second, what render engine do you prefer

[vicoars]

Hi Ronel,

thank you for your reply.

My metal sheet profile should use Kliplok for roof and Trimdek for wall.

There is 1 website that have lots of info about steel, don't know if it's allowed to write another website here..

They also have bump map and zincalum texture for steel.

But when I use their bump map image, this is what I got (this is Trimdek bump map):

I also read that people use spline and extrude as face..

is it possible to work with this metal sheet only with texture and mapping for visualization?

Best regards.

Victor

[rendermaster · Accepted solution]

nothing beat a good model, if its just a simple scene, i prefer to model it...because if its bumps, the render still looks flat not like when you model it...the shade and shadows react to lights...

here are some procedures on modelling

USING SPLINE 

[vicoars]

Thank you Ronel,

I guess, you are right.. I gave up trying to cheat the model by texture and bump map.. it's more tedious work than model it.

For this small project, I think 3D model will not hurt the polycount too severly.

Thank you and have a great day,

Victor