Am using a 2D spline, dividing in to multiple segments (say 20) and then the sweep modifier with cylinder. I am hoping I can apply a material but not sure.  Many thanks for any help.

Assuming I understand the issue the right way:
See Attachment; could be done with multi-sub material as well.
One of the cylinders is self-illuminated. The demo is done in max 9.

ivan

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Anything goes nsKiwi; look here are a couple of tests. (see attachment)

1. Simple cylinder with Shell modifier.
2. Line converted to mesh with Shell modifier.
3. Line; Sweep assigned; section – Pipe, without Shell modifier.
4. Line; Sweep assigned; section – Cylinder with Shell modifier.
5. Loft compound object; Shell modifier.

Each of the methods is different and some of them might be a bit trickier than others but the result is always the same.

Merry Christmas everyone!

ivan

Edit:PS, here I’m testing in max 2012.

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Thanks ivan, I realise what I was doing wrong. I have now been able to reproduce your examples. These all end up as hollow tubes and wish them to be like a solid bar. Would you be able to point me in the right direction please.

Maybe the Spacing Tool (Tools > Spacing Tool) is a solution here?

website: http://www.all3dmax.com

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nzKiwi 12 January 2012 09:16 AM

… These all end up as hollow tubes and wish them to be like a solid bar…

The standard Max doesn’t work with „solid” geometry, or there is no way to find the solution you are after at material level.
You need to model the object in some way; the suggestion Blakestone made above is a very good one. Another way could be using a Particles system.

ivan