What it is
3D modelling is the process of creating a three-dimensional representation of an object, scene or character using specialised software. The result is a digital model you can turn, inspect and change before anything is built.
Designers, architects, animators and engineers use it to visualise, design and simulate ideas in a virtual environment.
How it works
At its core, a 3D model is a mathematical description of a three-dimensional surface, built and edited in specialised software. Work is usually done on desktop computers and laptops, and sometimes on tablets. The finished model can then be viewed on screen or in VR and AR headsets.
Because the model is digital, it brings practical benefits:
- Clearer visualisation: a detailed model is easier to understand and discuss than drawings.
- Faster design changes: designers can try and refine ideas quickly as requirements change.
- Virtual prototyping: testing a model before physical production reduces cost and errors in manufacturing.
- Interactive experiences: the same model can be used in configurators, virtual tours and games.
Where it is used in industry
Image source: 3Dtrix
- Product design and prototyping: conceptualising products, refining designs and creating prototypes before manufacturing.
- Engineering and simulation: prototyping, testing and simulating scenarios to improve how a product works.
- Architectural visualisation: lifelike views of buildings and spaces for design discussions and client presentations.
- VR and AR: 3D models are the basis of VR and AR experiences for training, gaming and virtual tours.
- Medical imaging and simulation: anatomical models for education, surgical planning and simulation.
- E-commerce and product display: showing products from every angle online.
- Education: immersive learning in subjects such as geography, biology and history.
- Gaming, animation and film: characters, environments and visual effects.
- Cultural heritage: detailed digital reconstructions of artefacts and historical sites.
Source: All3Dp
How we use it
3D models are the foundation of much of our work for manufacturers and exhibitors. We build them for 3D product configurators, for AR product visualisation that shows your product at actual size on a phone or tablet, and for 3D animation films of products and processes. Talk to our team about the products you want to show.
Frequently asked questions
What is 3D modelling?
3D modelling is the process of creating a three-dimensional representation of an object, scene or character using specialised software. The result is a digital model that can be turned, inspected and changed before anything is built. Designers, architects, animators and engineers use 3D modelling to visualise, design and simulate ideas in a virtual environment.
How does 3D modelling work?
At its core, a 3D model is a mathematical description of a three-dimensional surface, built and edited in specialised software. 3D modelling work is usually done on desktop computers and laptops, and sometimes on tablets. The finished 3D model can then be viewed on screen or in VR and AR headsets.
What are the business benefits of 3D modelling?
3D modelling gives clearer visualisation, because a detailed model is easier to understand and discuss than drawings. It allows faster design changes as requirements change, and virtual prototyping, where testing a model before physical production reduces cost and errors in manufacturing. The same 3D model can also be reused in configurators, virtual tours and games.
Which industries use 3D modelling?
Industries that use 3D modelling include product design and prototyping, engineering and simulation, architectural visualisation, VR and AR, medical imaging and simulation, e-commerce and product display, education, and gaming, animation and film. It is also used in cultural heritage, where 3D modelling creates detailed digital reconstructions of artefacts and historical sites.
How does Metaverse911 use 3D models?
3D models are the foundation of much of Metaverse911's work for manufacturers and exhibitors. Metaverse911 builds them for 3D product configurators, for AR product visualisation that shows a product at actual size on a phone or tablet, and for 3D animation films of products and processes.
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