INSIGHT: CAD Rendering
Example render showing Medica Instrumenae device
We do CAD rendering all the time, transforming a functional 3D CAD model into a a work of art that looks so real you could almost touch it.
What is CAD rendering?
3D render is a still image created from a 3D CAD model that has been processed to look photorealistic with accurate textures and lighting. This is also known as a virtual prototype.
What is 3d rendering used for?
3D rendering is very useful for a multitude of purposes, however two of the best uses are for virtual prototyping and for promotional images.
Virtual prototyping enables you to see an accurate rendition of the product created straight from the CAD model without having to physically make a prototype. This is especially useful to do before committing to a physical prototype.
3D renders for promotional material has been a common practice for many years now as
How does 3d rendering work?
Once you have a 3d CAD model, it can be opened in our rendering software and will normally appear as a grey shape with all of its components present exactly as they were in the CAD software. Here the model can be orientated and even positioned with other accompanying 3d models such as a surface for it to sit on or a companion product for scale.
Next the CAD model and any accompanying 3d models have textures applied to each component. We have a huge digital materials library spanning accurate textures for metals, plastics, and wood, as well as a variety of paint finishes. When we don’t have a specific material texture available, we will create a new one to ensure accuracy.
Any logos, text, or graphics that would be printed onto the real product/component can be added as decals which adds to the overall realism.
Finally lighting effects are added and virtual camera angles are positioned.
When the model is fully set up with textures, decals, lighting, and camera angles; it needs to be rendered, this is like taking the photo on a physical camera. However rendering can take a number of hours to complete as it requires vast computer processing power in order to calculate how the lighting interacts with the materials, and create realistic shadows and reflections.
