3D PROTOTYPING

3D prototyping is a new way of using CG, which involves converting digital models into functional objects via 3D printing. The range of possible items is not limited to figurines: entire buildings, working computers, food and even internal organs – and this is only the beginning! Three-dimensional prototypes are not limited to solid real objects – product 3D rendering or animation can work as well.

CGI furniture models are used for creating photorealistic renders, 3D animations and 3D printing. Making them is one of the essential kinds of work any 3D rendering company does. 3D prototyping can benefit furniture producers in 5 ways, skyrocketing sales and establishing a brand name.

#1. 3D Prototyping Is Cheaper Than Traditional Means Of Prototyping

Designing furniture is not a cheap process. After the draft phase, the product must be “field tested”, which requires a physical representation of the sketches. Before 3D printers were invented this meant that a producer had to make disposable one-use props to test the design. And if it didn’t work money was thrown to the wind. 3D prototyping is a far cheaper alternative: not only the toner costs less than regular materials, but with the current level of technology, the failed 3D-printed prop can be melted and reused for later use. Less spending – more profit.

#2. 3D Prototyping Can Produce Product Prototypes In Bulk

Even if a business is focused on creating one type of furniture, many prototypes have to be made before the final product is launched. Sometimes it may take dozens of tries to come up with that “perfect” piece. Imagine what a nightmare is classic prototyping for the industry giants like IKEA! A company will waste more resources on creating props than actually selling merchandise. 3D prototyping is a great solution to making designs come to life in bulk, and fast, too. It can even be done without actually printing the prototypes – ordering high-quality 3D models, renders or animations will showcase future products in the best possible way.

#3. 3D Prototyping Provides A Smooth Transition From Prototypes To Serial Products

After a piece is designed and visualized, 3D prototyping can actually be used for further serial production. Modern toners are not just limited to plastic, but also metals and even fabric. Besides, they are quite durable when molded, which means that companies can smoothly transition from prototypes to actual serial manufacturing. For example, Boeing is currently working on a plane that is entirely 3D printed, part by part. And if an entire flight jets can be made this way, furniture obviously can be, too.

#4. 3D Prototyping Will Accurately Depict Your Design

When it comes to the accuracy of depicting ideas, traditional means are not very effective. Hand-drawn sketches can’t showcase all features of items. 3D prototyping can showcase products from any angle, create prototypes for any variation of the original design and add context to merchandise demonstration. It’s even not necessary to print the prototype, 3D modeling and rendering can be a perfect way of visualizing new furniture design on their own. Better still, these visuals will make perfect materials for product advertising!

#5. 3D Prototyping Is Unparalleled In Terms Of Product Quality Demonstration

Any furniture producer has to make potential clients think that their products are of the best quality. 3D prototyping is extremely persuasive even as a static CG image. It is possible to show what elements does furniture prototype consist of and even animate it to focus the customer’s attention on the product’s advantages. Also, as was mentioned before, 3D printers can emulate almost any material that exists. This works on several levels. First, such a company will be seen as modern, using cutting-edge technology. Secondly, printed furniture is flawless in terms of manufacturing due to it being made by a computer. And thirdly, the same furniture can be made from different materials without any drop in quality.

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3D prototyping is the future of all manufacturing. It is flexible, easy to employ, cheap and constantly improving. But 3D printers require high-quality 3D models to operate. So start using modern technology for product prototyping today with our professional 3D modeling services!

Ana Wayne

Content Writer, Copywriter

Ana loves writing about CGI technology in product and interior design. She swears by mid-century furniture style, soul music, sci-fi movies, and loves tasting delicious street food when traveling abroad.