Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 17

50 Adding A New Dimension The Next Generation of Collaborative Visualization Tools Have Arrived 3D VISUALIZATION: WHAT AND WHY 3D visualization refers to a process where graphical content is created using 3D software. As a field, it encompasses a wide array of techniques for better- representing designs and concepts. 3D Visualization extends to more immersive forms of presentation, as well as illuminating the smallest details in a design. The overall process is simple, even when the details are complex. 3D Visualization starts with the creation of a digital model based on available reference material like CAD models, blueprints, photos, or measurements. This digital model can then be surrounded by virtual lights, placed in a virtual environment, and “painted” to look as realistic as desired. 3D Visualization presentations can take the form of digital still images, interactive images, videos, augmented reality depictions, or virtual reality simulations. In most cases, assets that were created for one type of visualization can be effectively used in multiple ways, such as creating an animated marketing video and then using the same 3D model in a VR training simulation. There are as many approaches to visualization as there are concepts to present, but in all cases, the goal is to facilitate better communication. Improved communication leads to more effective collaboration, marketing, and training. The metal casting industry is finding many applications for the technology from designing foundry floors, demonstrating equipment, simulating production processes, and for training when geography or physical restrictions are a factor. 3D VISUALIZATION APPLICATIONS Until relatively recently, all the forms a 3D visualization might take were strictly passive. The viewer could only look at an image or watch an animated video. The addition of VR and AR technology was a huge leap that allowed users to interact with the 3D content, fully exploring it as desired. The global COVID-19 pandemic spurred further development of visualization tools BRIAN JUDD Design Engineer Marketing Options, LLC ARTICLE TAKEAWAYS: • 3D Visualization is a powerful tool for metal casting • 3D Visualization improves effectiveness of communication, marketing, and training to allow for the next step: real-time collaboration and design iteration. In the post-COVID world, just as online meetings have become ubiquitous, users can experience the same design visualization simultaneously and interact not only with the digital 3D content but also with each other. Let’s consider some different visualization types and how they can be deployed. Digital Imagery The 3D rendered still image is the most basic type of 3D Visualization, but a powerful marketing and training tool. The adage goes that “a picture is worth a thousand words”, and science backs this concept. Studies indicate that the human brain processes visuals thousands of time times faster than text and that over 80% of the information that our brain processes is visual in nature. In several studies, when text-based instructions were accompanied by graphics, students’ test performance improved by almost 90%. In any situation where it is either impossible or impractical to take photos, digital imagery can fulfill the need. Digital images can be created to illustrate flow through foundry processes, interior details of mold-filling, or how new equipment integrates with existing installations. Collaboration is possible in real-time with products that allow multiple users to add notations and markup over digital images during online meetings. Digital imagery can be used in print media, inserted into videos, as well as added to websites and social media.