The best way to showcase a product is to present an actual one so that one can not only see it but also feel it, check how it works, ask for a demo, and where possible, have it opened to check the parts, etc. But it is not always possible to present the actual product, especially when it happens to be a machine or a large object that cannot be carried along with you. Then there are concepts – a product that does not exist – not manufactured yet but is on the drawing board, not even a prototype exists, so nothing to show, really. So what is the next best option? The present era of digital technologies offers the perfect solution in such cases with 3D product animation or a virtual representation of the product – either in actual dimensions or a scale model – that can be seen in all dimensions, opened up, dismantled and reassembled, and even run and tested for performance.

3D product animation is not merely an ideal substitute for showing a product or a concept. In fact it goes much beyond that and shows what exactly the product actually is by showing how it works, its interior structure and much else. While this may not make much sense when dealing with everyday products, but when it comes to industrial equipment, it is essential to know how exactly it works and what are the parts inside. There are always specially trained persons who can dismantle a product and reassemble it effortlessly, but for others, 3D product animations can actually walk through the process by showing the proper procedure and sequence to do so. Take the example of a gearbox – an automotive or even a mechanical gearbox used in stationary machines – which is a complex equipment. A 3D product animation can show the correct way to dismantle the gearbox, name all its parts – the various types of gears, bearings, shafts and hub, lubrication points, etc., and how to identify excess wear or a damaged bearing. What is more, it is not just about showing a product. 3D animations can show any machine, however large or complex, in great details and also an entire plant, project or assembly line.

There are many other benefits of 3D product animation. 3D product animation can be converted into elaborate user manual videos with all the footage for clear understanding and used as training videos where required. With 3D product animation, OEMs can simplify maintenance procedures and repair and overhaul more effectively than what is possible by elaborate maintenance manuals with illustrations. Here they can actually see and understand the process of dismantling and assembly, the proper use of tools to avoid damage and the correct way of identifying faults or defects. A bearing, for example, must be replaced following the exact process without any undue use of force. Plant machinery needs to undergo periodic inspection and this too can be simplified by documenting the process with 3D animation for easy reference. The importance of 3D animation may be understood in the context of explaining such things elaborately, which is not possible by the conventional bulky maintenance manuals. As an extension, in tandem with immersive reality, 3D product animation can also help remote maintenance and troubleshooting.

Another major benefit is in the area of Marketing & Sales where 3D product animation helps in easy understanding of difficult concepts like a new or substitute product or equipment developed for an existing plant. 3D animations can explain how it can be done without a visit to the actual plant or site which may not be feasible. This is especially relevant in the situations where peoples’ movements are restricted and kept to a minimum in interest of public health and safety. When trade shows, which are otherwise great opportunities for marketing & sales pitch are postponed or cancelled, such presentations can be used in virtual events with digital booths that replicate virtually the ambience of a regular trade fair.

Now one may wonder that such a technology could cost an arm and a leg, or at least a bomb? Well, not exactly. The importance of 3D product animation is underscored by the fact that it is not only a very versatile medium, but also very cost effective and economical, given its many benefits. Today there are many vendors offering 3D product animation services and one can check the credentials based on their work done before selecting the most appropriate one for a given requirement. Tools of digital technologies simplify things in industry to a large extent and any enterprise can make effective use of it in order to stay relevant with the changing times. Today, businesses have to compete globally with the best and digital technologies provide a level playing field where SMEs can well compete with MNCs with the help of emerging technologies. The time to begin is now. Check out some of our work here or write us at sales@eaxprts.com for more details.