3D CAD and digital patterning demystified – Part 1
3D Makes Everything Easier
Recommendations to implement 3D design are everywhere. But questions pertaining to the value of transitioning to 3D best practices still come up rather often. So why should your business embrace 3D? Quite simply, because 3D makes everything else in the design to manufacturing process easier.
A few key examples of the downstream benefits of 3D design include automated output of:
Renderings – Improves the ability to present and communicate the design to clients and team members
Performance and manufacturing simulations- Validates that the final design addresses the customer requirements and production constraints
Patterns – Accelerates manufacturing
Production drawings and documentation – reduces or eliminating fabrication or assembly errors.
Renderings are one of the top advantages when investing in 3D CAD models and one of the easiest benefits to access.
In general, using 3D CAD software to create a virtual prototype of the final physical product streamlines the entire process from concept, to approval to production.
And implementing 3D is Easy
Every time a client says "we don't feel the need to use 3D" we work with them to try to understand why business owners would retreat from the proven cost and time saving advantages of the tools. The key responses we’ve heard fall into just a few themes:
We don’t have time for the learning curve
That might have been an issue in the past but ease-of-use of the current generation of 3D CAD tools make the software extremely accessible. Online workshops and integrated training and help tools allow anyone to gain the skills they need with in a matter of days.
Utilizing 3D CAD models streamlines all of the other design, approval, simulation and manufacturing processes. A simple internet search provides all of the help needed to learn and use the tools.
We already have a physical part
The ability to leverage 3D scanning to capture the design is another way to eliminate learning curve issues in the implementation of 3D. 3D Scanning is a great tool to use in retrofit applications like upholstery rejuvenation or automotive aftermarket.
We’re experts in design, not CAD
Large libraries of existing 3D models make the process even easier. Just select and download a 3D design which is ready to be edited, flatten into patterns and then cut.
Probably the best way to reduce the 3D learning curve is to let someone else do the 3D modeling altogether. 3D templates simplify the task from creating models to editing them to work for your business. Templates existing in shared libraries from sources such as Make Human(apparel) and GrabCAD, (anything else) cover nearly every industry from fashion, to furniture to wind turbines and beyond.
Design team leverage these pre-made models as a starting point in their workflow. Faces can be cut, modified or deleted. New features can be added to the design. Variations can be simple or extensive.
Use 3D to create 2D patterns faster
Once you have a 3D design it’s easy to convert the model into 2D patterns using digital patterning software tools like ExactFlat. A key benefit is that the 3D design is then directly linked to the 2D pattern. This ensures that changes in one place are quickly updated everywhere.
Learn more about the advantages and nominal investment needed to get started with 3D Design and Digital Patterning. Click on the link below and schedule a time to speak with one of our experts.