3D Product Modelling

Take your product designs worldwide with amazing visuals.

Thomas Howcroft

Founder of XO3D | Product Rendering Expert
Lecturer of Product Rendering @ University of Hertfordshire
BA Honours Design & Marketing

WHAT IS 3D PRODUCT MODELLING?

Definition.

3D Product modelling refers to creating digital representations or models of a product using computer-aided design (CAD) software. It involves creating three-dimensional (3D) models that accurately depict a product’s physical characteristics, dimensions, and properties.

CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE.

Value.

Product modelling is commonly used in various industries, including manufacturing, engineering, architecture, and product design. It allows designers, engineers, and manufacturers to visualise and analyse a product before it is physically built, helping them make informed decisions and identify potential issues or improvements early in the design process.

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HOW CAN PRODUCT MODELLING HELP YOU?

Advantages.

Product Visualisation.

3D models provide a realistic and immersive visual representation of your product. They allow you to see the product from different angles, explore its features, and understand its overall appearance and aesthetics. This helps you visualise the final product before investing in physical manufacturing.

Design Evaluation & Iteration.

With 3D product modelling, you can evaluate and iterate the design quickly and efficiently. Without physical prototypes, you can modify the model and test different design variations, materials, or features. This iterative process helps identify potential issues or improvements early, saving time and resources.

Communication & Collaboration.

3D models act as a visual language that facilitates stakeholder communication and collaboration. Designers, engineers, manufacturers, and clients can all easily understand and provide feedback on the design, ensuring everyone is on the same page and reducing misunderstandings.

Cost & Time Savings.

By utilising 3D product modelling, you can save costs and time associated with traditional design and prototyping methods. Rapid design iterations and virtual simulations help eliminate errors, reduce rework, and optimize the design before physical manufacturing. This leads to overall cost savings and shorter time-to-market.

Marketing & Sales.

3D product models are valuable for marketing and sales purposes. They can be used to create high-quality renderings, animations, or interactive presentations that showcase the product’s features, functionality, and benefits. These visual assets can be used in promotional materials, websites, catalogues, or sales pitches to attract customers and generate interest.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Development.

We live in a digital age and almost everything you see has begun its life in 3D, whether it be buildings or products. Computer processing has helped us push beyond what could have ever been imagined. While 2D modelling was used for many years, 3D modelling has now taken its place. 3D product modelling is a vital part of product design for many reasons. To begin with, it helps spot costly design mistakes.

HOW TO CREATE 3D PRODUCT MODELS?

Process.

STEP 1

Conceptualisation

This stage involves defining the product concept and gathering requirements and specifications. It also includes understanding the product’s purpose, functionality, target audience and desired features.

STEP 2

Ideation

At this stage, designers create rough or digital sketches to explore various design ideas and variations. These sketches help visualise the product’s form and identify potential design directions.

STEP 3

Detailed Product 3D Modelling

Once the design concept is finalised, designers use CAD software to create a detailed 3D model of the product. This involves defining the product’s geometry, dimensions, features, and materials.

STEP 4

Design & Refinement

Based on feedback and analysis, the 3D model undergoes iterations and refinements. Designers and engineers evaluate the model, make necessary modifications, and optimise the design for functionality, manufacturability, and aesthetics.

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?

Project Checklist.

Although companies do not need all of the above, these will make the project much smoother.

PRODUCT MODELLING WORKFLOW

Execution.

Starting a project

Firstly, to begin a project, clients provide all the information required. For product visualisations, we require things such as drawings, design specifications, sketches, mood boards or other type of information you may have.

Reviewing information

Check all the clients’ content and ask for more details if necessary. In addition, a phone call or Teams meeting is always beneficial. This helps avoid any misconception and allows us to shorten turnaround times for 3D modelling services.

Execution

We start working as soon as we understand all of the details the task requires, and time frames have been agreed by both parties. Our 3D artists keep in constant contact with the clients throughout this process, with regular updates.

Reviewing

After that, we present draft 3D models to you for comments and review and finally make the adjustments.

Approval

The client accepts the drafts for final models.

WHAT ARE 3D PRODUCT MODELS USED FOR?

Refinement.

Product manufacturers

Professional 3D models are used by product manufacturers for many different reasons. Firstly, products can be visualised well before the final product is manufactured. Secondly, models can be shared across the company to illustrate ideas before the product design release.

Product designers

Similarly, product designers use high-quality 3D modelling services to present their design ideas. While sketching can only get designers so far, the next stage of the design process needs a 3D approach. Showing various concepts for one project to get approved quickly and push forward to the next stage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ.

What is 3D product modelling?

Product modelling is the process of creating a 3D representation of a product or object. It involves taking measurements, photographs, and other data to create a digital model that can be used for design, engineering, marketing, and other purposes. Product modelling can also be used to create prototypes for testing and evaluation and final products for sale.

What is the difference between product design and product modelling?

Product design encompasses the overall vision and functionality of a product, while modeling involves creating digital representations or simulations to visualize and refine the design.

How can product modelling help my business?

Product modelling can help your business by providing a better understanding of the product lifecycle, from design to production to sales. It can also help you identify potential problems and opportunities in the product development process, as well as provide insights into customer preferences and market trends.

What is the purpose of a product model?

A product model’s purpose is to represent and simulate a product’s design digitally. This helps designers and engineers visualize, analyze, and refine the design before making physical prototypes. Product models aid in testing, validating design concepts, optimizing product performance, and enhancing communication among team members and stakeholders.

What is the cost of a product model?

Product models can vary widely in price depending on complexity, from very basic models costing £50 to extremely complex ones costing thousands.