Introduction
Is traditional photography dead? Many people ask this question. To their surprise, the number of images the average person expects to see before making a decision has increased substantially. It is to be said that the right product imagery isn’t just about displaying products!
Today, 3D rendering is an effective digital replacement for traditional photography embraced by some of the world’s leading brands.
With 3D rendering, products can be visualized in infinite variations and in the real environment. This flexibility is invaluable for brands with dynamic product lines or needing a wide range of marketing visuals. From changing colors and materials to adjusting sizes and configurations, 3D rendering provides countless possibilities.
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What is 3D Rendering?
- 3D rendering stands for the process of creating a three-dimensional image from a 3D CAD model using computer software.
- 3D rendering simulates light, shadows, textures, and materials to produce a realistic object representation.
- This technology is used everywhere, from creating special effects in movies to visualizing architectural designs before a brick is laid.
What is Mechanical Product Design?
- Mechanical product design is the brains behind the physical objects we use daily!
- Practically, mechanical design involves designing the parts, components, or systems that are mechanical in nature.
- The goal of mechanical product design is to optimize product cost performance and ease of manufacture while minimizing complexity.
Tools used for 3D Rendering and Mechanical Product Design
Tools used for 3D rendering |
Descriptions of Tools for 3D Rendering | Tools Used for Mechanical Product Design |
Descriptions of Mechanical Product Design Tools |
Blender | Blender is free and open-source 3D computer graphics software. This software supports the entire 3D channel and delivers modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion-tracking jobs. |
Autocad | AutoCAD is a widely available CAD software that will efficiently allow designers to develop accurate 3D drawings.
It is also used extensively in many different engineering disciplines. |
Autodesk 3D’s max with Corona Render Engine | Autodesk 3D’s max with Corona Render Engine offers detailed levels of work that are modeling, rendering, and animation tools for artists and designers in games, film, and motion graphics. |
Solidworks | SolidWorks is the most adopted and excellent modeling CAD software for designing, simulating, and managing mechanical products.
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Cinema 4D | Cinema 4D is a professional 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering software that brilliantly creates motion graphics, AR/MR/VR, and visual effects. |
CATIA | CATIA – This is one multi-platform software suite that provides computer-aided design for manufacturing and engineering; the abbreviations are (CAD/CAM/CAE). |
Keyshot | KeyShot- This one is the rendering software that consists of real-time ray-tracing and global illumination that helps to develop highly realistic 3D visuals. |
PTC CREO | PTC Creo- This one is the design software suite used for product design, augmented reality, and product lifecycle management.
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V-Ray |
V-Ray- This one is the rendering engine that uses the latest algorithms to generate photorealistic images and animations. |
SIEMENS NX |
Siemens NX – This one is an integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE solution that supports product design and engineering processes.
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Luxe core render | LuxCoreRender – This one is an open-source physically based rendering engine that simulates light flow as per the to physical equations.
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Autodesk Inventor | Autodesk Inventor – This one is the CAD software for creating 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization, and documentation.
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Bringing a product to life with the 3D rendering process
The making of the Elevator Upper Traction Machine using the 3D rendering process
➔ The process
Step 1- Conceptualization and Planning
At this step, the design specifications and requirements for the elevator upper traction machine, including dimensions, materials, and critical features, are defined.
Step 2- Modelling
This step prepares a detailed 3D model of the elevator upper traction machine using CAD software, highlighting all mechanical components and assemblies.
Step 3 – Texturing
This step applies realistic textures to the model to simulate materials like metal, rubber, and plastic, ensuring each part looks real and authentic.
Step 4 – Lighting
This step involves lighting to highlight the machine’s features and using proper light sources to relate to real-world conditions for better visualization.
Step -5 Rendering Setup
A 3D product renderers understands the importance of creating the perfect visual experience! So, this stage accurately configures the rendering settings, including camera angles, resolution, and lighting to achieve the best and desired visual output.
Step- 6 Rendering
This step will further perform the initial rendering to produce a high-quality image or animation of the traction machine, capturing all details and textures.
Step- 7 Post-Processing
This step enhances the rendered output by using post-processing tools to adjust colors and contrast and add special effects as & when needed.
Step – 8 Review and Feedback
This is, in a way, the final step, where the rendered visuals will be presented to stakeholders for review, feedback, and necessary adjustments to the rendering settings.
Step -9 Final Rendering and Delivery
Next comes the revision part. Depending on feedback, complete the final rendering and deliver the finished visual assets, ensuring they meet all specified requirements and standards.
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CONCLUSION
3D rendering technology continues progressing across all the touchpoints, starting from websites to brochures to tradeshows, this technology is here to change the perspective of visuals representation!
On the other side it blurs the lines between the virtual and the real, and further propelling innovation in mechanical product design.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the purpose of 3D Rendering?
Ans: The purpose of 3D rendering is to transform technical CAD data into photorealistic images.
What is DFM in Mechanical Design?
Ans: DFM (Design for Manufacturability) in mechanical design is the practice of designing easy and cost-effective products.
What is the best 3D rendering software?
Ans: Autodesk 3ds Max is the best 3D rendering software.