3D modeling provides great visual product materials for all kinds of marketing campaigns. It also facilitates the presentation and implementation moments for the most unique concepts without compromising the benefits of the object. Organizing large-scale photo shoots to get some good pictures for a marketing campaign requires a lot of financial resources – renting equipment, hiring staff, and even models, finding the best photographer, etc. Moreover, it is completely ineffective in terms of strict deadlines. With 3D modeling, you delegate the task to a 3D specialist, allowing you to focus your resources on other value-adding activities. This technology is useful in most industries and offers a set of unique benefits, which we will discuss in this article.
What is 3D modelling?
3D modeling uses various mathematical and scientific concepts and formulas to create shapes, objects, products, buildings, animations – basically anything you can imagine. 3D animators and designers use various tools to process objects and create hyper-realistic representations of them, which can be viewed in 360 degrees.
How does 3D modelling work?
A designer uses a specific software to manipulate points in a virtual space (called vertices) to form a mesh: a collection of vertices that form an object.
These 3D objects can be generated automatically or created manually by deforming the mesh or otherwise manipulating corners.
3D models are used for a variety of media including video games, movies, vehicles, architecture, illustration, engineering and commercial advertising.
The 3D modeling process produces a digital object that can be fully animated, making it an important process for character animation and special effects.
At the heart of a model is the network best described as ‘points in space’. These points are mapped to a 3D grid and joined as polygonal shapes, usually triangles or ‘quadrilaterals’. Each point or corner has its own position on the grid, and combining these points into shapes creates the surface of an object.
Models are often exported to other software for use in games or movies. However, some 3D modeling software makes it possible to create 2D images using a process called 3D rendering. This technology makes it possible to create very realistic scenes.
How is 3D modelling applied to product design?
3D modeled product design has become commonplace because it has so many functions in a variety of fields. It can be used to create just about anything, so detailed that it tricks the eye into thinking you are looking at a real object rather than a digital model.
Let’s take a look at different segments and applications where rendered products have become indispensable.
product design
The application of 3D modeling in product design is endless. As long as products are manufactured, 3D rendering of these products will be necessary. A major benefit of 3D modeling in product design is that it allows manufacturers to test different parts and products before they go into production.
This ensures that there are no mistakes or uncertainties about the final product, which in particular facilitates customer relations. Designing a product requires going through several different phases to reach the end result. 3D product design facilitates that process and shortens the sales cycle. You can also use 3D models in your marketing to create fun, immersive commercials and animations.
Health care
Believe it or not, 3D prototype design is also used in the healthcare sector. Doctors use it to create artificial models of human bones and organs. This is particularly useful in medical education, where 3D models can give students new opportunities to explore the human body.
An additional benefit of this technology in healthcare is that doctors can discuss and explain different procedures in depth with their patients. The same goes for research – for example, 3D modeling can be used to create models of different molecules and other chemical structures.
Architecture and interior design
If you’ve been wondering how to create a new product design concept, such as furniture, or how to create realistic renderings of buildings planned for construction – then 3D product rendering is the best way to do it.
You can execute the entire product design concept through 3D rendering software and carefully plan every step of the project before it’s time to build. It is not only more convenient and cost-effective, but also a good way to anticipate possible errors and miscalculations. Without this technology, design flaws would only be discovered during construction, putting a strain on the budget.
Clothing
The fashion and design industries are also examples of how 3D modeling in product design can change the whole process for the better. It gives designers a unique way to explore their creativity and create bold and textured designs easily and conveniently.
Besides designing, you can also make 3D models of clothes online and use try-on tools to optimize the online shopping experience. You can also use 3D modeling to create molds, or even complex special effect elements for movies.
The benefits of3D modelling in product design
Speed
3D modeling speeds up the process of designing and manufacturing a product and bringing it to market, giving you a competitive advantage.
Quality
By using 3D modeling technology, designers can create lifelike models of products that are more realistic than photographs. Photos are limited, they cannot be used in a 3D environment. 3D models allow you to design prototypes with vivid details; such as different textures and lighting conditions. These can then be used to improve the quality of your marketing efforts. They can also form the basis for 3D printing.
Prototyping
Prototyping is a necessary part of the product design process. In the past, this process has been more complex and time-consuming, often relying on several different materials and tools. It has worked, but the flaws are obvious. It is much more difficult to make changes and you have often had to redesign the model. The use of materials and time thus makes the process more expensive.
With realistic 3D product rendering, you can create endless prototype versions and make real-time changes to suit your and your customers’ needs. It is flexible, economical and sustainable. The steps between idea and manufacturing become fewer and easier when you use available 3D technology. Ideally, send the model to production digitally – and if adjustments need to be made, they can be made on an ongoing basis.
View properties
In addition to making 3D models look realistic, they can be easily displayed in different environments digitally and visualize their properties. Twist, turn and position the model and see how it fits at different angles and in different places. For example, AR (augmented reality) allows you to see what an IKEA piece of furniture would look like in your home.
If you need to illustrate features such as finishes, textures or similar, this is also easier than ever. It helps you to quickly understand which ones work and choose the best materials.
Animech
Animech knows about 3D, AR and VR. Whether it’s for your e-commerce products, any of the other uses listed above, or anything else. By staying at the forefront, Animech has helped global companies do the same.
We are moving towards a time when 3D modeling has become standard, not least in the product design process. Smart visualization is here to stay. So, if you haven’t already done so, it’s good advice to consider implementing 3D modeling into your processes and marketing strategies.
