Due to severe competition in the furniture industry, every manufacturer works on improving and standing out of the crowd. For that, advanced marketers bet on awe-inspiring visuals for promo and ads and turn to 3D technology to get those. Therefore, others have no other choice but to try to keep up and compete using digital modeling too.
If a manufacturer is new to 3D and doesn’t fully understand what opportunities it brings, they face too many uncertainties while ordering it. In such cases, it’s simply vital to have a helpful guide from someone familiar with the matter.
As a 3D modeling services provider with years of experience, we know everything about digital model production and how a manufacturer can benefit from it. Read on!
1. The Definition of 3D Model Production
A digital model — or 3D model — is a CG object created with special 3D software, and digital model production is the process of making it. To create a 3D model, one can use simple ready shapes or build the geometry up from scratch.
Understanding the digital model meaning helps manufacturers see why 3D modeling is now a common approach across any industry – from architecture, interior and product design to automobile production and video gaming sector. In terms of furniture production, 3D modeling eases the process of product development and provides stunning 3D rendering for catalogs, websites and promo.
2. The Geometry of 3D Models
There are different ways of digital model production — solid, surface, and wireframe modeling. A solid method is creating new digital models by remodeling simple geometry forms — balls, cubes, cylinders, etc. Surface modeling is the most advanced and complex type of 3D modeling. It means drawing curves that interweave into a digital model.
As for wireframe modeling, it relies on creating the shape out of small triangles or squares, so-called, polygons. CG experts distinguish high-poly or low-poly 3D model production. As you can see from the name, high-poly models consist of more polygons than low-poly ones.
As a result, high-polygonal objects look more smoothly and photorealistic — that’s why such a product 3D model is the best choice for furniture digital production. Low-poly models, in turn, are faster to run on different processors, so they work best for video games and apps.
3. The Process of Digital Model Production
Before starting work, a marketer sends a 3D studio the brief that consists of drawings, photographs, references, mood boards — anything that might help with model production. A project manager examines the brief and distributes the tasks among the studio’s 3D artists.
CG specialists proceed to 3D modeling and pick the most effective modeling method. For example, if the form is complex and intricate, they can build it using curves or make simpler objects from basic shapes. After the first raw modeling, they check the quality and smooth out the polygons. Sometimes, for the perfect surface, 3D artists can reduce the number of polygons i.e. make the topology. The last step is applying textures and setting up materials — and voila! — the digital model production is finished!
4. Product Digital Models Usages
Digital modeling works not only for mind-blowing still renderings but it also provides CG artists with endless creative freedom for model production. Using 3D software, they can easily transform a digital model into a new item or change its design by replacing textures and materials in a few clicks.
In addition, digital modeling is a game-changer for product prototyping. Manufacturers can send a high-quality digital model to a 3D printer to print prototypes without outsourcing. Having 3D printing capacities at hand, brands can even start their production of the products or assembly parts.
5. Cost of 3D Modeling Services
Surely, the price for digital model production directly depends on the number of units and the complexity of a 3D model. For example, a 3D model of a simple plastic table will cost less than a leather sofa one, because the latter has more elements and much more sophisticated textures. Also, high-poly modeling is more expensive than a low-poly one.
Our studio charges $99 for simple models and $299 for complex ones. However, every 3D firm has its price policy so it’s best to contact a studio manager for relevant prices directly.
To see how 3D models translate into dynamic visuals, check out our product animation overview.
Download CGIFURNITURE price guide and learn the costs of top-tier 3D visualization projects of different scales!
A high-quality digital model is vital for all manufacturers. Firstly, having only one 3D model, CG artists can make any design and create as many similar 3D objects for one collection as needed. Secondly, it becomes the basis for stunning renders for advertising, catalogs, SMM, print and outdoor promo.
On top of that, manufacturers can print a 3D model on a 3D printer to get a fast and cost-saving prototype. Because of its importance, it’s best to entrust 3D model creation to a professional 3D modeling studio that specializes in making high-quality models of any complexity.
Want to get your product presentation to the next level? Reach out to us for 3D modeling services , and we will make top-notch photorealistic 3D models for any type of product.
Frequently asked questions
What is 3D modeling?
3D modeling or digital model production is the way of creating 3D objects using 3D technology and special 3D software. There are different types of 3D modeling – solid, surface and wireframe. A solid method relies on creating new digital models by remodeling simple geometry forms — balls, cubes, pyramids, etc. Surface modeling means building up 3D models by drawing curves. And a wireframe or polygonal modeling is creating 3D objects from small particles or polygons.
What types of 3D models do manufacturers use?
Usually, manufacturers use high-polygonal modeling to get a top-quality 3D model and photorealistic 3D visualization. Sometimes they choose low-poly ones to create furniture models for product applications, AR and VR.
How to order 3D modeling?
First, contact a client manager of a 3D modeling firm and describe the type of model you need. Then, prepare and send a studio the full brief with all info about the project – photos, drawings, references and so on. Now all you have to do is wait for the result.
What is the cost of digital model production?
Usually, the cost depends on the urgency and complexity of 3D models. We charge $99 for simple modeling and $299 for the complex. However, every 3D company has its own pricing policy so contact studio managers for an accurate price.