In the context of 3D modeling and material properties, the term "roughness" refers to the texture or surface quality of a material. It determines how smooth or rough a material appears in the model. Roughness is controlled by a numerical value, and different materials have varying roughness values to achieve the desired visual effect. Here's a breakdown of roughness values for different types of materials:
Glossy Surfaces: Glossy materials, like high-gloss laminates, have a very smooth and reflective texture. These materials typically have low roughness values, often in the range of 0 to 0.3. The lower the roughness value, the smoother and shinier the material appears. For extremely smooth surfaces, the roughness value can be set below 0.1.
Matte Surfaces: Matte materials, such as matte laminates, have a slightly rougher texture compared to glossy materials. The roughness value for matte surfaces is generally higher, usually ranging from 0.3 to 0.8. This higher roughness value gives these materials a more subdued, less reflective appearance.
Textured Finishes: Materials with textured finishes, like walls, matte wallpaper, or fabric used on sofas, have even higher roughness values, often exceeding 0.8. These surfaces are intentionally made to have visible texture and are not smooth or reflective.
By adjusting the roughness values, designers and modelers can achieve the desired appearance and texture for different materials in a 3D model. This level of control over roughness allows for creating realistic and visually accurate representations of materials, which is particularly important in architectural and interior design applications.