3D Rendering – Virtual Design Improves Productivity

3D rendering, also known as virtual designing helps shorten design cycles and get products to market much more quickly by allowing designers to create and visualize in 3D.

It’s important to understand just what we’re talking about when we talk about visualizing in 3D.  The 3D rendered designs that are created in today’s 3D CAD packages provide more than just an illusion of depth through special graphics.  3D Rendering is the process of producing an image based on three-dimensional data stored within a computer.

This data includes precise measurements, as well as specific directions regarding how pieces of the product fit together and function.  In this regard, then,  a virtual image of the product can be viewed from all angles and moving parts can be digitally manipulated to prove measurements, tolerances, and function, all prior to ever creating a manufactured prototype.

This type of 3D manipulation allows design flaws to be noted and corrected early in the design process, helping to speed time to market.

Types of 3D Rendering

The process of 3D Architectural Rendering is used to convert all kinds of architectural designs into various virtual visualizations.  3D Architectural Rendering is used in design development, structural and engineering proofing of architectural designs, as well as in visualization of the final building, for both the architect’s and the customer’s benefit.  3D design presentations can help with pre-construction presentations for procuring development permits and funding, as well as for pre-construction sales.  Once the project is approved and construction begins, actual building plans and documentation can be generated from the 3D rendering.

Fly-through animations and movie footage can also be created using 3D rendering.  While this application is used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) markets, there is another, a more artistic realm where 3D architectural rendering is extensively used and that is the filmmaking industry.   Architectural structures form the basis of many movie sets, and the ability to create the sets in 3D to any scale in almost any environment has proven to be a massive leap forward in the techniques of film production.

Whether the AEC business of the movie industry, when talking about 3D Architectural Rendering, there are two types to consider:

• 3D Interior Rendering can help to determine the success of any interior design. Interior designers, or movie set designers make use of interior 3D models to determine the effectiveness of their design in creating the design “mood” or “style” they want to portray.  Using digital interior designs gives designers the ability to experiment with many different looks, as well as to manage the shapes and sizes of various interior elements like furniture, accessories, color, textures etc.  3D Interior rending is an outstanding technology that gives provides a virtual presentation of the design process on a computer screen.
• 3D Exterior Rendering includes not only the exterior design of the building but also its geographical arrangement on the land that the building will occupy.  This geographical arrangement must be determined accurately in order to prevent problems once the construction has begun.  For external movie sets, directors can use the exterior rendering to arrange lights and shading for various times of day or types of weather.  With a 3D model, the building can be viewed from all exterior angles.

3D Product Rendering

Another use for 3D Rendering comes in product design.  Whether it’s a teapot, a mousetrap or an automobile, it can be designed and visualized using 3D Rendering.  With the globalization of the manufacturing industry and the resulting speed to market of low-cost products, many manufacturers today use product rendering to determine whether or not their products will succeed.   By testing the virtual product for use and effectiveness, as well as customer acceptance, manufacturers can quickly determine which products to take into production, as well as determining the best raw materials and production methods to use

3D Rendering for Engineering Analysis

Simulation engineers use 3D Rendering to improve product quality while reducing development time and cost. In addition to 3D Rendering, this may also involve simulation methods such as computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools for finite element structural mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, and electromagnetics.

Conclusion

Whether in architecture, product development, movie production or simulation engineering, 3D rendering is a powerful process that can shorten design cycles, aid in getting buy-in through virtual product visualization, improve time to market, and increase manufacturing and construction efficiencies.

‍