PMAG x NATO Cartridge
A material study of polymer, brass, copper and steel under controlled studio light.
- Year
- 2026
- Type
- Accessory
- Software
- 3ds Max, Fusion 360, Marmoset Toolbag, Substance Painter, Photoshop
- Techniques
- CAD Modeling, PBR Texturing, Material Study, Studio Lighting
Inspect
The project
A detailed study of the Magpul PMAG 30-round magazine paired with a NATO 5.56×45mm cartridge. This project was born from the desire to push material accuracy on seemingly simple objects — exploring how polymer, brass, copper, and steel all interact under controlled lighting. The PMAG was modeled in Fusion 360 to capture the precise injection-molded geometry, ribbed grip texture, and anti-tilt follower mechanism. The cartridge was built with attention to the primer pocket, case mouth crimp, and boat-tail bullet profile. Texturing in Substance Painter focused on micro-surface variation: the matte polymer with subtle mold flow lines, fingerprint smudges on brass casings, and the cold shimmer of a jacketed bullet tip. The final renders were composed in Marmoset Toolbag to highlight material separation and form language.