Modern-day Manufacturing and Design must evolve beyond the traditional blueprint to a fully digital representation of the manufacturing process as we prepare for a new 2025 world, where 3D Modeling will be the most revolutionary development in manufacturing, providing a link between a designer’s imaginative visions and a manufacturer producing an actual product with extreme precision.
This blog discusses the benefits of adopting a 3D-first mentality to help speed up the entire lifecycle of a product from sketch to final assembly.
Moving from 2D Drafting to 3D CAD Modeling
For many years, 2D drawings have been the norm for most designers and engineers. They tend to leave a lot of room for interpretation. A better way to visualize a product is to digitally create a “Digital Twin” of a product, or a virtual representation of a product that can store information such as height, width, depth, and material types, through the use of 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design).
Though a Comprehensive Guide to 2D Drafting Service for Architects still provides valuable insight into basic layouts, the industry is moving to a more complex level, where the majority of complex projects will be developed using 3D. A 3D model permits the user to always be looking down the exact same view, whereas with 2D lines, you might see something on the blueprint that will not be found on the final assembly, and conversely.
You will know exactly how the finished product will look because all of these views will be created within a virtual model environment.
Key Benefits of 3D Modeling in the Design Phase
The most significant factors will be determined in the design phase of the project when 3D models are created and utilized, which offer several advantages over 2D drawings.
- One Benefit of using 3D software is that they create precise and accurate representations of objects after making changes to a single dimension, as the other dimensions will automatically update, keeping in mind the proportional relationship.
- Another Benefit of using 3D software is the ability to perform “virtual clash checks” before any physical representations of objects are built or assembled. What this means for product size and spacing between fasteners, electrical components, and structural members can be determined before spending any money on materials.
- Another benefit of creating 3D models is the ability to visually display the final product to clients and stakeholders. High-quality 3D renderings provide an accurate representation of what the final product will be, allowing clients to feel comfortable that their expectations will be met at an earlier stage in the design process.
Fabrication Process through Digital Workflows
After the development of a design using 3D modeling techniques, the next step is to transfer the design to be fabricated (whether through a custom shop or in-house). The “integration of CAD and CAM” (Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing) takes place by simply sending a 3D model directly to a CNC machine or 3D printer without having to go through the manual data entry stage.
- CNC Machines and 3D Printers accept files as input and interpret them into instructions for creating (or machining) parts. 3D Models allow for optimization of the designs based on the processes being used. Ultimately, this ensures parts are not only attractive, but can also be built given the shop capabilities of today.
- Understanding CAD Shop Drawings is critical in the specialized furniture and interior industries, as they represent a means to translate the complex nature of 3D Models into constructive instructions for craftsmen.
Reducing Lead Times and Material Waste
Sustainability and speed will be the two biggest drivers of industry growth by 2025. 3D Modeling will support both:
- Reduce Material Waste: Using 3D software for reducing material waste, by developing all sheet metal and/or wood fabrication volumes and nesting patterns, “measure twice, cut once” digitally, can reduce scrap waste by 30%+.
- Rapid Prototyping: Companies will no longer be required to build multiple physical prototypes, and can begin to use digital prototypes, as well as perform virtual testing (stress, weight, and fit), which will reduce R&D cycles from months to weeks.
- Automated Bill of Materials (BOM): A 3D Model will automatically create a complete and accurate Bill of Materials that includes every screw, panel, and bracket required, and (consequently) remove delays associated with missing items from production.
In custom industries, it is of utmost importance to maintain accuracy. There are many factors involved in the creation of custom cabinetry; therefore, a major component of ensuring accuracy in Millwork Shop Drawings is the elimination of waste.
Improving Collaboration
Collaboration is a key component in any construction project that involves more than just the Architect(s), Engineer(s), Fabricator(s) & Client(s). The power of the 3D Model is its ability to serve as a ‘common language’ for all team members to communicate.
Using a Cloud-Based Collaboration Platform enables all team members to access and edit the same model simultaneously, regardless of whether they are working from their office or outsourcing AutoCAD Drafting Services. This ‘Single Source of Truth’ for all team members helps to maintain transparency for all project participants, especially when working on complex FF&E Drawings that require precision fit of furniture and equipment into designed areas.
Conclusion
3D Modeling has transitioned from being a visual aid to becoming the driving engine behind the efficient production of products. For example, by not being limited to 2D models and using 3D CAD drawing services to represent the product, Companies can increase their level of precision, reduce costs for materials, and reduce the time needed to bring a product to market. During a time of “Digital Transformation,” 3D Modeling is the real-world tool enabling this transformation to take place.
