I've been using other shader balls, and decided to create my own. I took ideas from other balls I've seen, so there are sharp edges, soft edges, round and rectangular parts. There's a part in front where it gets thinner for testing materials where thickness matters. I've added pure red, green, and blue to compare against, and the checker pattern is pure white, 50% gray, and pure black. Each small square in the checker pattern is 1cm. Feel free to use it however you like! I know there are many others out there so I have no claims as to mine being better, but since I've made a few shaders I figured I'd make my own ball too.
These things are often overlooked, but a very important tool for folks who picky about their materials and textures.
I, too, have thought about what a good ball should be, and have made some effort to improve on the ideas of others.
What you have created is very impressive indeed! IMHO this is a work of art, and almost perfect. (I will likely bevel an edge to show a 45 degree angle. Just me though...) I especially like the built-in place for a name. For me, that is a vital component that no one else seems to do. And the built-in color reference is pure genius! Never seen that before.
Thanks for sharing this very useful tool! Peace.