Boil ’em, mash ’em, stick ’em in a stew — 3D models have more uses than taters.
- Instruction manuals. Cut open and pull apart a model, and use the pieces to illustrate the instructions for any technical process.
- Product faking. Need to show a person interacting with a product, but don’t have the product itself handy? Save the time and expense of a photo shoot by using the 3D model together with photos you already have.
- Engineering presentation. Put the virtual milking machine on the 3D cow, and let ‘er rip. No cows will be harmed during this product visualization.
- Anatomical studies. How does a dog’s neck fit into its skull? Find out with a 3D model.
- Massing studies. If the city puts a 14-story building right next to the YMCA, how will that affect sunlight, traffic, and the view from the top floor?
- Special effects. Do you think the little girl in Iron Baby really has a suit like that? I’m sure she’d like it, but it’s not going to happen.
These are just a few of the uses of 3D models. In the months to come, we’ll look at the many more ways 3D models are used in practice, and how you can get the most from them.