Types of 3D Modeling: Which One Is Best for Your Business?

The 3D industry is a natural response to our technologies becoming more personal. From entertainment to architecture, more and more industries are incorporating 3D objects in their business.

3D modeling seems simple, but not all objects are easy to produce. Some require specific modeling techniques and editing software to make sure your 3D design comes out as planned. Below you’ll find an in-depth guide to this worthy craft.

What is 3D modeling?

Let’s say you already have 3D modeling software and tools — now what? 

Well, you would make a lot of mistakes (some of them costly), but it will teach you a lot. 

To start, you can take a 2D object and add dimensions to it. Or you can also trace and recreate a 3D-scanned real-world object to prepare it for 3D printing.

The main goal of 3D modelers is to create graphics that are highly immersive or realistic. This requires careful practice and refined skills. As a 3D modeler, you have to be capable of creating anything: from simple 3D shapes to models that exactly replicate complex real-world objects.

While you can learn 3D modeling yourself, it has a large learning curve compared to other graphic arts fields. It requires the mastery of 3D modeling programs and techniques, which can take a very long time to achieve. For this reason, outsourcing is ideal for businesses that want to enhance or create their own 3D models.

Industries that use 3D modeling

You’d be surprised to learn that what you see, buy, take as prescription, or interact with probably has a 3D-printed part, if not the whole thing. Here’s how different industries apply 3D technology to their business:

• Film and Television: creation of CGI environments, characters, objects, and animations for TV shows and films. 3D modeling is also used to easily create props. Some examples that you may know of are:
  • Hit fantasy TV show ‘Game of Thrones’ is known for its intricate CGI; a vast majority of its props are also 3D printed
    
  • ‘Iron Man 2’ was one of the first movies to use 3D printed props

• Video games: 3D modeling in video games mostly uses the same processes in TV/film, but often on a greater scale. Here, the technique is used to create the whole 3D visual components of the game. Famous examples include:
  

  • Ghost of Tsushima is lauded as one of the best-looking video games of all time, with highly detailed character and landscape graphics.
  • Beloved sandbox game Minecraft used 3D modeling to create a vast and immersive world. Now users can also save 3D models of their Minecraft creations or create Minecraft mods using 3D modeling.

• Medicine: medical customization can be easier with 3D modeling. It can also help when protective equipment is in high demand, like in the COVID-19 pandemic. Some examples are:
  • 3D bioprinting of organoids and tissues for treatments and medical procedures
  • 3D printing is more efficient in creating dental implants, compared to traditional methods.

• Marketing and advertising: you can market and advertise products even if they are still in production. 3D modeling also helps in video advertisements and commercials. For example: Mercedes Vision AVTR is a concept car inspired by the movie ‘Avatar’. Mercedes-Benz is able to release a visualization of this model in their website thanks to 3D modeling.

• Engineering: have more control over your designs, and create a more efficient and precise output. 3D visualizations also make the project easier for clients to understand. Mechanical engineers in MIT, for one, use 3D modeling for easier prototyping.

• Architecture: make interactive renderings of buildings and structures. 3D modeling also makes the construction process more accurate and efficient. A great example would be the stadium architecture firm HOK, which uses 3D modeling and VR for their projects.

• Real estate: 3D modeling is used to replicate real estate properties. These digital and 3D printed models can help clients examine the property for easier sales. If you browse Realtor.com, you are likely to encounter 3d models used in real estate listings.

The types of 3D modeling

According to 3D artist Erik Selin, there can be as many types of 3D modeling as there are tools. But only some of these are widely recognized as actual types of 3D modeling. Here are the most popular ones:

Solid modeling

Solid modeling is like building a lego set. It uses 3D shapes that you can put together like building blocks, which can reduce or add to the shape being modeled. This method is straightforward and easy to work with. However, it is not for achieving highly realistic designs.

Polygon modeling

Here, the modeler forms a mesh made up of flat shapes. The mesh can be manipulated to form the object that you’re modeling. It is good for making complex and realistic designs. But the process is very intricate, and can be difficult to pull off.

Wireframe modeling

This technique is great for objects that have complex and curved surfaces. Working on finer details is easier here. However, you might need a better computing capacity for this.

Digital sculpting

Here, the modeler works on a digital clay-like material in the software. It uses special tools or “brushes” to sculpt the virtual clay. The downside of this technique is that it needs special tools and software that are specifically made for digital sculpting.

Surface modeling

Surface modeling defines the shape and curves of the object using guiding lines. This technique is ideal for developing dynamic designs, because it brings focus to silhouettes. However, this technique is complex, and often requires multiple programs.

Procedural modeling

Procedural modeling involves creating specialized programs to generate the object you want. For example, a modeler creates a tool for generating buildings, and they would only need to input parameters — like ceiling height, number of floors, and floor area — to automatically generate models that fit the criteria. Although it generates 3D models with relative ease, the creation of the tools is an exhaustive process.

Outsourcing 3D modeling services

3D modeling is a complicated process. It requires a great amount of skill and specialized tools. For this reason, a lot of businesses choose to outsource 3D modeling services to third-party companies. 3D modeling outsourcing also provides the following benefits:

• Focus on core operations: in general, outsourcing is made to lessen the workload of your in-house staff. This way, you can leave the 3D modeling to professionals, so you can focus on the more important parts of your business.

• Instant access to experts: no need to spend time and money to learn 3D modeling. When you outsource, you immediately gain access to a professional 3D modeler who can efficiently create your 3D models.

• Inexpensive workforce expansion: you will get expert 3D modeling talent, without spending a lot on recruitment, onboarding, and training. You do not have to pay mandatory employee premiums, as well.

• The best 3D modeling innovations: 3D modeling tools can be costly. However, your outsourced 3D modelers will already have all the tools, software and equipment they need. No need to spend on new ones to keep up with the latest 3D modeling trends.

• No pauses: if a sudden disaster strikes your area, the 3D modeling process will remain unaffected. It will not pause or stop until the model is finished. Offshore outsourcing further amplifies this benefit.

• Rapid results: your outsourced 3D modelers are dedicated to the task. Unlike in-house modelers who may have other tasks, the sole job of outsourced modelers is to complete your model. They are also equipped with the right tools and skills, so they can deliver results rapidly.

Magellan Solutions is an outsourcing service provider that has been in the BPO industry for over 15 years. We offer high quality 3D modeling services, and you can also hire your own 3D modeler through us. Our company is ISO certified, so we can guarantee the safety of your data.