17 Reasons Why 3D Modeling is Important for Product Design Firms

Today we share 17 reasons why 3D modeling is essential for product design companies. No matter what industry or niche your business belongs to, you are probably familiar with 3D modeling. This state-of-the-art technology significantly impacted different sectors over the past several years. 3D modeling not only lets you visualize a product— your clients can have a more concrete or definite image of your idea. Design prototypes can come to life on computer screens with the latest 3D CAD software and design developments. Modern workflows have paved the way for introducing a whole new class of fully functional applications that have redefined the designs that can be produced within a specific period.

3D modeling has also addressed most of the inadequacies associated with old-fashioned processes and has improved the overall functionality across design firms. When working on product designs, manufacturers need to see a visualization of the client’s product concept to order prototypes they can experiment with. But during the initial stages of the creative development process, prototyping can get quite expensive when it is common to have an overflowing surge of ideas.

Using 3D modeling for product design helps reduce the number of intermediate prototypes and makes the entire process more risk-free and cost-effective. It is also critical for manufacturers to identify design flaws as early as possible, allowing them to finalize the product’s design before production starts. Through the CGI services of a professional 3D modeling company, it is possible to create amazing, safe, and user-friendly designs. Read on to learn 17 reasons why 3D modeling is essential and its benefits for product design firms.

What is 3D modeling?

3D modeling is the process of using computer software to create 3D images of objects or areas. 3D artists manipulate points in the virtual environment known as vertices to form a mesh to create the object. A 3D model can be anything you may think of— whether you are in the business of selling concepts, ideas, goods, or properties, we share the top reasons why product design firms should start using 3D modeling to their advantage sooner rather than later:

1. 3D Modeling speeds up the process of product design development

Back in the day, product design development was a process that consumed a myriad amount of time. It became a vicious cycle of updating the design, ordering a new piece of prototype for each major tweak, and waiting for its delivery. This process continued until the product design could be considered perfect. All of this changed when CGI started to play a crucial role in product design. When manufacturers need to develop a unique design, the client will have a professional 3D artist create digital visualizations of their idea. This eliminates the need for product design firms to order several prototypes, allowing them to try various concepts one after the other with little to no delay.

2. 3D Modeling makes all products easily adjustable

Another good reason for any product design company to start using 3D modeling is that it offers remarkable adjustability. With the help of 3D software, it is easier for CG artists to tweak any aspect of the 3D object without breaking a sweat. For instance, they can readily adjust the proportions, geometry, materials, and textures and add or remove specific elements on the design.

3. 3D Modeling supports better product development

Probably the most apparent reason why 3D modeling should be part of the design process. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, or other industries, 3D modeling provides better perspectives when creating a new product. On the other hand, artists and designers can also incorporate additional features during the development phase, and showcase all the physical characteristics of the suggested design.

4. 3D Modeling is great for business branding

Making the most of 3D modeling for your company’s brand will also make you one step ahead of your competitors. When applied correctly, adding 3D elements or models to a website or your business brings something more modern and professional to the table than similar businesses in your industry.

5. 3D modeling fixes errors before final product design

A notable advantage of 3D modeling in product design is that it allows manufacturers to pinpoint any errors in the design ahead of time with no need for prototyping. In addition, 3D objects can also be optimized for CAD software that can automatically report mistakes and check the object’s compliance with the drawings.

3D simulation is another benefit of CGI. 3D experts can perform their 3D simulations to find any malfunctions and solve any safety issues for products with complicated mechanisms. This process can be easily done using special software that only needs the CAD model of the piece in question. With a prepared 3D object, the CG artist can optimize and export it to the preferred file format that will work best with the CAD software being used.

6. 3D modeling offers efficiency and ease of use

Digital design has made it easier to apply several changes to every iteration quickly. Most of the time, this process only requires a few toggles, selections, or clicks. 3D modeling offers improved visualization that lets the user preview the changes from every perspective, making it easier to confirm physical and functional alterations and refine aesthetics.

Unlike traditional designs that take longer and are more cumbersome to make, 3D modeling also allows the development of newer versions in less than 15 minutes. The outstanding user-friendliness of the popular 3D design platforms cuts down the learning curve of the software, reduces training time, and keeps teams more agile.

7. 3D modeling makes flaws easier to recognize

Spotting weaknesses in the design and building upon easy manipulation becomes more manageable if people can apply other tests and layers to designs. An excellent example of this is stress mapping, where colored topography will highlight the specific areas of concern. This is essential for products exposed to various stressors such as torsion, pressure, and heat. Modern designs integrate a selection of different geometries, with complicated shapes considered the new norm.

Unconstrained inspection of models allows designers to check all nooks and crannies of the design to ensure that every imperfection can be identified and corrected for the next iteration. With 3D modeling, product design firms can enjoy unlimited numbers of adjustments. All 3D models can also be edited until the designer is satisfied.

8. 3D modeling encourages seamless collaboration

Smooth and seamless collaboration among engineers, designers, and others who need to give input on the project’s design is not always easy. With 3D modeling as the reference point, every team member, whether non-technical or technical, can benefit from accessible communication with one another. In addition, team members can also gain access to 3D models using the cloud no matter where they are, or whatever time of the day or night it might be. Also, considering the current pandemic, most companies have opted for a work-at-home scheme in the meantime. 3D models accessible in the cloud make it easier for all team members.

Using 3D modeling can benefit all of the project’s team members as this can simplify the communication between stakeholders and the product design team. Since everyone involved receives the duplicate 3D files and visualization, all experts speak a single language. Also, since 3D models are all saved and stored in universal file formats, every specialist will be able to work on them with no need to switch to different software.

9. 3D modeling simplifies product prototyping and testing

This particular step is often carried out by manufacturing companies, although it is also applicable to other industries. Prototyping and testing are two of the most critical stages of the development process, and using 3D models for this specific stage can significantly cut time and costs. After modifications are made, the product’s 3D model can be virtually placed in various environments and exposed to different stressors to allow testing. Changes and adjustments can also be made and applied easily before the prototype is built.

By trying different designs with the help of 3D modeling, product design firms no longer need several intermediate prototypes. Working hand in hand with the CG specialists, firms can update a 3D model several times as needed and view the results instantly. They can take advantage of the product design’s 3D model until they achieve their imagined piece. After reaching this level of perfection, manufacturers will need just a single final prototype that they can test on their target audience.

10. 3D modeling comes with lower costs

Most of the time, 3D modeling serves as the precursor to prototyping, which in the past called for the production of physical iterations. Traditional 2D modeling can make it impossible to get a natural feel for the form factor of a design. This leaves designers with no choice but to manufacture one prototype after another to reflect every necessary change in design. It results in more expensive resource costs that become more substantial if multiple products are developed simultaneously. Companies will choose to save the raw materials for the actual production process without replenishing them over time.

Today’s 3D modeling can breathe life into every concept, and designers can manipulate the models and check them from all angles. It saves the team from being restricted to the usual flat design, making it easier to assess the changes with no need to expend resources. Every 3D model is developed for various uses and made using different software. Materials used for the product are often automatically listed to give you an idea of what you can expect and the cost of the end product before its production starts.

This gives you a chance to monitor and prevent any extra costs during development and production. Remember, however, that this will depend on the complexity and quality of the product and how urgent the deadline is. The total cost of 3D model services will differ as well.

As mentioned above, manufacturers can benefit from 3D modeling as it lets them save time on the development of the design and cuts back the number of prototypes required. This makes everything cost less. Since everything related to the project is produced digitally, product design firms can cut their expenses on materials and overall production. This lets them focus more on design development with no risk of overspending.

11. 3D Modeling lets you keep up with the market

With constantly changing consumer needs, businesses must start searching for ways to keep up with them. 3D modeling will be able to help you do exactly that. Since it is easier to create prototypes and add modifications, it becomes easier for you to keep up with your target market.

12. 3D modeling allows exact measurements

Exact measurements are necessary when creating products of any kind. A 3D model can show you the specific dimensions of an item together with all its features. This helps your potential customers and your team members to inspect the product and incorporate any adjustments if and when needed.

13. 3D modeling is necessary for approval of the product design development’s intermediate stages

Marketing teams and manufacturers alike must approve every change in the product design. It is no longer practical to use good old freehand sketches for this specific purpose because these won’t show the details of the invention in all their glory. Getting top-quality 3D renderings of every product design stage is another advantage of CGI. Expert 3D specialists can render different design variations of just one item. The only thing the manufacturer has to do is choose the best option to speed up the process of decision-making.

14. 3D modeling lets you recycle designs

You might not realize it, but many companies recycle or reuse their product designs. New products are usually an improvement on or a variation of an existing item. It will take you more time to finish everything if you try to make 2D designs for every variation. But you can avoid all this if you hire specialized 3D modeling services. It is always faster to reuse designs and modify them based on your requirements using 3D software. To top it all, it also makes documentation simpler than ever.

15. 3D modeling paves the way for speedy modifications

Like other design processes, designers or artists have to modify the product’s features constantly. It doesn’t matter if you are in manufacturing or construction; a similar rule applies. With 3D modeling, you can easily make minor and significant changes to the designs. You can also do the corrections quickly with no need for you to blow your budget.

16. 3D modeling can help you get started with your campaigns sooner

Your marketers are the ones who would usually create campaigns for the product as soon as it is manufactured. Unfortunately, this method can consume more time and be more expensive now and then. You can avoid this altogether with 3D modeling. While you are busy making your product’s 3D models, you can also start promoting it even before manufacturing.

In addition, your marketing team can also come up with campaigns earlier and ensure that your goals are achieved right on schedule. You can even use 3D modeling in various marketing mediums. There are companies with a virtual library of 3D models that they can use in the future. If any changes are made to the design, posters, brochures, and other media can also be edited easily.

17. 3D modeling provides unrivaled accuracy and detail

3D modeling allows teams to generate all imaginable shapes while maintaining production capabilities, which helps visions quickly come together. Modern 3D modeling offers a remarkable level of design depth that you could never expect from 2D designs or rough sketches and gives you far better control over details. This also allows engineers to explore the design’s physical aspects without succumbing to physical limitations.

In terms of collaboration, scrupulous details can make conveying all the specifics of a particular design simpler. The design teams are not in silos anymore and can easily communicate with the rest of the stakeholders and teams. Settling for a specific design requires all essential elements to be part of the schematic. With 3D models, teams can inject more details so everyone stays on the same page.

How Cad Crowd can help

3D modeling evolves each year, and Cad Crowd is here to help you find the right professional and software for your next project. Not only will you visualize your concept, but you will also enjoy the benefits of modern technology. Contact us today and receive a free quote.