In the same theme as my previous models of tread plates, I explored metal floor gratings. The kind of thing that you see in industrial and mechanical plant settings that have a lot of spaces or holes in them that let you see through the grating to what is above or below you. In SketchUp this was most often represented as a "skin" or texture that you applied to the object that you were modeling to get that see-through effect without the physical features. I was never impressed with this and finally decided it was time to take on the challenge and see what I could create that could be used instead of the program provided texture. While there is a lot of repetition involved it does take an eye for detail and a lot of patience to make it all come together as a finished model. I am pleased with what I have created and the attached screen shots show two of these types of gratings.
The first two images are of the first 3D model that was created with a more open construction. The third and fourth images show the second 3D model that is more contained with a definite physical boundary and a lot of individual square holes. It was a challenge to try and make that all come together and I was ready to give up several times before taking a break from it for a couple of days and then returning to finish it.
