From CAD models to the 3D configurator:
impress with 3D models
A 3D configurator is especially important for manufacturers of complex and variant-rich products, as they simplify the understanding of the product and encourage the customer to buy. 3D models can be used to visualize different product variants and display possible combinations. A configurator is even more attractive if it can export CAD models at the end for further planning.
But how can CAD models be used to build a 3D configurator?
Content
- What is a 3D configurator?
- What are CAD models and how can they be used in a 3D configurator?
- The optimal use of CAD models in a 3D configurator
- How to impress with 3D visualizations and 3D models
- 3D configurators and CAD models in practice
- Build your own 3D configurator: Import data and get started
- Conclusion
Overview: Who is this article relevant for?
- Companies that already have CAD models for their products and are wondering whether these can be used to develop a 3D configurator.
- Companies that want to know how CAD models are used for 3D visualizations and what challenges need to be considered when using CAD models.
- Companies with complex and multi-variant products that want to use 3D configurators to convince their customers.
- Planners and engineers who are interested in configuring components and require CAD data for their planning.
What is a 3D configurator?
Before we take a closer look at the use of CAD models for a 3D product configurator, we would like to explain what a 3D configurator actually is.
A 3D configurator is interactive software that enables customers to customize products to suit their individual needs. Examples include the configuration of furniture, vehicles or technical components. Adjustments to the product are visualized in 3D in real time. A 3D configurator works with 3D models to improve the customer's imagination and reduce returns.
What are CAD models and how can they be used in a 3D configurator?
CAD models stand for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models. These are digital 3D models that are used in various fields. These include architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and product development.
They are used to create virtual representations of real objects in order to design, analyse and visualize them. CAD models can be used for various purposes. For example, for the simulation of movements, the creation of technical drawings and the production of prototypes. They are an important tool for planners and engineers to create and optimize complex designs.
If CAD models are already existing, they can be used and the configurator can be built on them. This not only saves the effort of creating new models, but also enables a faster market launch of the configurator. In addition, the existing CAD models are often already detailed and of high quality, which leads to a more realistic representation of the configured product.
However, it is important to note that the CAD models are often too detailed for the configurator and the files can be too large. If live 3D or AR is to be used, the model must be transferred to the user's device, which means it must not be too large. The models must therefore be simplified by removing unimportant details and reducing the level of detail.
They may also contain information that is not relevant to the end customer or should not be published. The CAD models are therefore usually optimized and simplified to improve the presentation in the configurator and reduce loading times.
The optimal use of CAD models in a 3D configurator
To make the best use of the existing CAD models for the 3D configurator, it is important to optimize them. This means simplifying the models to improve the performance of the software and ensure a smooth user experience. However, all planning-relevant information should be maintained in order to give the customer an precise idea of the configured product.
In order to use the CAD models for the 3D configurator, they are converted into a suitable file format that can be loaded quickly and stably in the web browser. They are also further optimized by removing unimportant parts and reducing the level of detail. For example, not every screw needs to be visible when configuring a car. If necessary, the number of polygons (triangles) can also be reduced.
Another aspect is the protection of intellectual property. The CAD models often contain all the information about the design of the product and should not be made accessible to the competition. For this reason, the models are generally not used 1:1, but simplified versions are created that only contain the relevant information.
These measures make it possible to significantly reduce the file size of CAD models and optimize them for product visualization in the 3D configurator.
How to impress with 3D visualizations and 3D models
The use of CAD models in 3D configurators offers numerous benefits and enables companies to convince customers, increase customer satisfaction and optimize the sales process.
A 3D configurator allows customers to customize the product according to their individual needs and try out different options. They can immediately see how the selection affects the appearance and functionality of the product.
Which color or size of the product is most appealing? With a 3D configurator, each customization is visualized in real time. The customer does not have to imagine the product first, they can experience it directly. The purchase decision is made easier, customer satisfaction increases and returns are reduced.
The products are not just presented as static images or with cryptic article numbers, but invite the customer to take a virtual tour. Changes to the parameters are visualized immediately, with the stored set of rules ensuring that only valid combinations are created. Every configured product is therefore error-free and can be produced immediately.
In addition, 3D models and visualizations can be used for marketing purposes to present products attractively and reach out to potential customers. By using high-quality CAD models, realistic and detailed 3D visualizations can be created.
Modern 3D configurators offer the option of exporting a CAD model of the product that has just been configured. Planners and engineers can then use the configuration directly in their CAD program. The models are true to scale and enable seamless integration into the overall planning.
A highlight: with the CONFIGON configurator software, configurations can be exported in 100+ native CAD formats – quickly, easily and without effort. Problems during import or with the quality of the models and reworking are avoided.
Overall, 3D visualizations and 3D models in combination with a 3D configurator offer an effective way to present and personalize products and improve communication between manufacturers and customers.
3D configurators and CAD models in practice
A best-practice example of the use of a 3D configurator with CAD models is the company WAGO. The 3D configurator has enabled WAGO to reduce costs and avoid incorrect orders. Customers can, for example, individually equip and label terminal strips without having to worry about feasibility. At the end of the configuration process, the appropriate CAD data is available for download.
Build your own 3D configurator: Import data and get started
Is it possible to create a complex configurator without programming? Yes, simply import product and CAD data from a database such as 3Dfindit and transfer existing knowledge (connection points, rules, etc.) with a click.
With the CONFIGON product configurator, we offer a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solution that consists of a basic module (CONFIGON Core) with many expansion options. This allows us to offer a quick and inexpensive start for your configurator based on a modular principle. This means: You choose the features you need – we take care of the implementation!
Features such as a customized design, 3D configuration and access to the Admintool (tool for rule and product maintenance) are included in CONFIGON Core. Extensions are possible without any problems. Whether the creation of documents or the connection of various interfaces (PIM, ERP, store, etc.) - simply select a module and add it.
Our highlight: Thanks to the partnership with CADENAS, CONFIGON configurators can not only be created by importing product data, but configurations can also be made available in over 100 native CAD/CAE/BIM formats.
Conclusion
The use of CAD models for the development of a 3D product configurator offers numerous benefits. Using existing models can save time and effort while providing a more realistic representation of the configured product. However, it is important to optimize the CAD models for the configurator and protect intellectual property.
A well-designed 3D product configurator improves the customer experience, reduces returns and can help to convince customers and increase sales. If you already have CAD models, you should therefore consider using them to build a 3D product configurator and inspire your customers.
