Pro Guide to 3D Modeling in Product Design

3D modeling uses different mathematical and scientific concepts and formulas to create the desired shape, object, product, building, animation, or virtually anything else. 3D animators and designers use various tools to manipulate objects and create hyper-realistic depictions of them which can be observed at a 360-degree angle. You can use this technology in almost all industries and it offers a unique set of benefits, which we’ll cover in-depth in this article.

What Is the Application of 3D Modeling in Product Design?

Product design 3D modeling is becoming so prevalent because it has a wide set of applications across different industries. You can use it to create virtually anything and add such details that it would fool your eye into thinking that you’re looking at a real thing instead of a digital model.
Let’s explore different industries and applications where product renders have become irreplaceable.

Product design

The application of 3D modeling in product design is endless. As long as there are products to be manufactured, product 3D rendering will be the main way to go about it. A great thing about 3D modeling in product design is the fact that it enables manufacturers to test different parts and products before they move to the production process.

This ensures that there are no mistakes or uncertainties in the finished product, which is especially useful when dealing with clients. To design a product, you have to go through multiple different stages until you get the end result. 3D product design simplifies that process and shortens the sale cycle. Plus, you can use 3D models in advertising to create fun, immersive commercials, and animations.

Healthcare

Believe it or not, 3D prototype design is also used in the health sector. Doctors use it to create artificial models of human skeletons and organs. This is especially useful in medical education, where 3D models would give students a new opportunity to explore the human body.

Another benefit of using this technology in healthcare is that doctors can discuss and explain different procedures in-depth with their patients. The same goes for science – you can use 3D modeling to create models of various molecules, schemes, and other chemical structures.

Architecture and Interior design

If you were wondering how to make a new product design concept, such as furniture, or how to create a realistic depiction of property and buildings that you plan to construct there – 3D product rendering is the best way to do that.

You can perform the whole concept to product design through 3D rendering software and carefully plan out each project before construction ever starts. Not only is it more convenient and cost-effective, but it’s also a great way to predict any possible errors and miscalculations. If this technology wasn’t available, you would have to discover construction flaws during production, which would be a pain for your company’s budget.

Apparel

The fashion and design industry is yet another example of how 3D modeling in product design can change your whole game. It gives creators a unique way to explore their creativity and create bold and structured designs with ease and convenience.

Besides designing, you can also see 3D models of clothing on various websites and use try-on tools to optimize your online shopping experience. You can also use it to create different molds or even complex special effects elements for movies.

What Are the Types of 3D Modeling?

Expectedly, there is a wide variety of different 3D modeling types, each of which uses a different approach and technique. Each of these types has its own set of benefits and disadvantages, which we’ll explore in-depth below:

Primitive Modeling

Primitive 3D modeling in product design is characterized by the use of cubes, spheres, and similar variations of these shapes to create a new element. Every good 3D modeling expert should know this technique because it belongs to the basics club. The term ‘’primitive’’ represents the simplicity of only using two shapes to create something new and exciting. The most common way to do primitive modeling is to use Boolean processors which lets you create outlines and shapes. An example of a primitive modeling use case is creating physics simulations.

Polygonal Modeling

Polygonal modeling uses coordinates (X, Y, Z) to create shapes and surfaces. It’s called ‘’polygonal’’ because it uses the Polygonal mesh theory which isn’t as beginner-friendly as primitive modeling. It basically works by manipulating the wired mesh into the desired shape in order to create the desired model. Polygonal models are frequently used in the film, animation, and gaming industries.

NURBS Modeling

NURBS modeling stands for ‘’non-uniform rational basis spline’’ and describes the process of creating a model by using a dedicated mathematical model to create realistic elements. This is another popular form of modeling because it’s so versatile and has a wide set of applications, such as creating organic simulations of people, animals, cars, and other objects.

Rational B-Spline Modeling

Rational B-Spline modeling is probably the most common and widely-used type of 3D prototype design. Similar to primitive modeling, this type of modeling uses different geometric shapes to create a new structure. Unlike primitive modeling, though, it is much more versatile and offers a wider collection of elements to choose from and play around with.

This type of modeling is not as difficult to perfect as polygonal modeling, for example. Designers only need to create basic structures by conjoining different shapes, and then twisting them and curving them until they reach the desired final product. For example, you can use it to create interesting and textured surfaces like shoe soles.

Solid Modeling

Solid modeling uses basic shapes like prisms and spheres to create different models. You can either create 2D sketches that you’ll excel in to create a 3D element. Or, you can add solid elements on top of solid elements to create more detailed figures and shapes. Solid modeling used to be aimed at the machining and assembly industry for planning and verification. Now, it’s also used in interior design and 3D printing.

Wireframe Modeling

In wireframe modeling, the shapes are seen as multiple networks of vertices. You need at least three vertices to create one geometrical shape and you can change the size by dragging the vertex in different directions. Designers use it to create complex surfaces, but it’s more difficult to master because it requires formal training. You can use wireframe modeling to create various complex elements and design items like shoes, appliances, or even human faces.

What Are the Benefits of 3D Modeling in Product Design?

Regardless of whether you’re wondering how to design a product, building, or any other concept, 3D visualization is the best way to do that. The list of benefits of using this technology seems to be endless, but we’ve decided to extract the most important ones in terms of product design:

Accelerate Your Speed to Market

This benefit is quite simple to understand – the faster you go to the market with quality products, the better your chances are of succeeding and taking over the industry. Everything is so fast-paced that if you fall behind by only a week, you would lose your place at the top. 3D modeling lets you design and manufacture a product much faster than any other means. It will shorten your speed to market, letting you beat your competitors in an instant.

3D Modeling Allows You to Create High-Quality Prototypes

Designers can also use 3D visualization technology to create lifelike models of different products that are much more realistic than photographs. Photos have certain limitations because they can’t be really used in the 3D world, while 3D modeling can let you design prototypes with vivid details such as different textures, lighting conditions, and other peculiarities. You can then either 3D print these prototypes or use them in your marketing efforts.

Quickly Iterate Prototypes and Tooling to Maximize Opportunities for Testing and Refinement

Prototypes are an unavoidable part of any product design process. Up until recently, you had to manually create prototypes from different materials to depict an idea. While this has worked well, the shortcomings are obvious – you need to completely remake the model if you want to make slight changes, you’re wasting a lot of material on physical production, and it’s more expensive.

With realistic 3D product rendering, you can create endless prototype versions and make changes in real-time to fit your and your clients’ needs. These designs are very flexible, much cheaper, and don’t create any additional waste.

Optimize Your Production and Transition Seamlessly Into Manufacturing

Product design from concept to manufacturing is much easier and quicker if you use available 3D technologies. You can quickly design and perfect different product models which are then sent into manufacturing in a matter of minutes. You can make tweaks and edits on the spot, allowing you to simplify and improve your whole design-to-manufacturing process.

Displaying a Model’s Physical Properties Is Easier and Simpler than Ever

The best thing about 3D concept product design is that it’s very realistic and has the power to depict an object like no other technique. That’s why it’s great for showcasing products in different environments. You can easily twist, turn, and reposition the model and see how it fits in different angles and places.
Some major businesses like IKEA use this technology to help customers when choosing furniture. They have 3D models on their website which customers can use to see if the product would fit in their rooms. You can test models in different virtual rooms and areas, making the whole process much convenient and easy.

Find the Best Technologies and Materials for Your Needs

Because 3D modeling technologies are so flexible and versatile, you can play around as much as you’d like until you find the perfect elements for your product. You can see the product from a 360-degree angle, you can apply different finishes, textures, and other tweaks and observe them from multiple angles. This will let you choose the best materials quickly, allowing you to zoom into production in an instance.

Simplify Your Supply Chains

Mass production is difficult, time-consuming, and consists of a lot of small actions before you’re able to deliver the finished product to the market. It depends on different departments and parts, creating a very codependent environment. If one part falls off, the whole construction will fall over. 3D modeling simplifies the process by conjoining different design and manufacturing activities into one quick & easy setup.

Looking for the Best 3D Product Design Services?

3D modeling has become a standard in any product design process. It is here to stay, so if you haven’t already, consider implementing it into your product design and advertising strategy.

At PIXREADY, we offer comprehensive 3D product rendering services. Our team of industry experts can model and create even the most difficult of concepts, and we’re ready to offer you support for the whole design to the manufacturing process. Contact us through the form on our website, schedule a quick consultation call, and make your wildest product design ideas into a reality.

‍