Hi Tom,

My reason for asking related to a problem specific to rendered images with grain set stones like pave.
Matrix had a script which not only layout the stones & beads (aka grains or claws) relevant to the surface but also a "bearing cutter" that was used to boolean out the area to create a "seat" for the stones pavilion.

For "real world" use, this boolean cutter wasn't really required, only a positioning dimple/marker (traditionally a drilled hole) which a skilled Setter would open up with burrs to seat each individual stone & cut up the grains (claws) to hold them.

Those using Matrix for creating realistic renders of designs with pave diamonds found they DIDN'T quite look realistic.
This was caused by the boolean bearing cutter working fine for a "real world" STL model but not for its rendering.
Unlike "real world", the render model needed the bearing cutter to be larger than the stone so the rendered metal didn't interact with how the diamond material worked.
This situation was happening when using V-Ray but think it was also happening for those using Keyshot too.

So bottom line, you had to create two different models, one for render use only & one for STL "real world" use...and don't ever mix them up!!

I did a few models featuring "stone work" but never bothered trying to do a complete pave layout within MoI.
Good Luck

HTH, Colin