3D modeling software is a powerful tool for product design, but it can also be a source of frustration and inefficiency if you don't optimize your workflow. In this article, you'll learn some tips and tricks to make your 3D modeling process smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.
The first step to optimize your 3D modeling workflow is to choose the software that suits your needs and preferences. There are many options available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, so you need to consider factors such as ease of use, compatibility, features, cost, and support. For example, some software may be more suited for organic shapes, while others may be better for mechanical or architectural design. Some may have more advanced rendering and animation capabilities, while others may focus on simplicity and speed. You may also want to look for software that integrates well with other tools you use, such as CAD, sketching, or prototyping software.
As per my previous experience as CNC engineer, i found that choosing the right cad or cam software is a bit challenging. As most of the commercial software is don’t have a complete package which cover up all the needs. For example you can find software such as Alpha-cam has a great tools in 5 Axis machining but on the other hand, its weak points in the carving machining. So in that case you are forced to use a different software. And that is why i am advising everyone to learn more than software .
In my opinion the role of choosing the right software only plays to an extent where mostly which software is most comfortable for the 3D modeller. These days most softwares provide multiple extension exporting so compatibility is not a big issue.
How can you optimize your 3D modeling software workflow for product design??? Project planning: Collection of Design input/User need than Planning This may involve identifying the target audience, defining the scope of the project, and setting deadlines. Modeling: The next step is to create the 3D model of the product. This may involve using 3D modeling software to create the basic geometry of the product, and then adding details such as textures, materials, and lighting to create a realistic, photorealistic image. The level of detail and realism will depend on the goals of the project and the intended use of the 3D model and Its Rendering. Scale of 3d model and Prototype for functionality checking.
In 3D design, considerations go beyond industry standards, requiring flexibility across project phases. Some programs, like a pencil, offer creativity and adaptability in fluid stages, while others, like ink, excel in precision for well-defined projects. Just as pencil and ink complement each other in traditional art, a blend of software tools balances free-form exploration and meticulous precision. This diversity empowers designers to navigate project intricacies, ensuring creativity thrives without compromising the required precision.
How can you optimize your 3D modeling software workflow for product design? 1- Try to make the part in your mind before make it in software 2- Try to make the sketch easy and clear 3- Try to make it short as possible 4- Try to use the right module 5- Try to use equations
Before you start modeling, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you want to approach it. Planning your project can help you avoid wasting time and resources on unnecessary or irrelevant details, and also prevent you from getting stuck or confused later on. You can start by defining your goals, scope, and specifications for your product design, and then sketching out some rough concepts and layouts. You can also research some existing or similar products to get inspiration and reference. Then, you can create a timeline, a budget, and a list of tasks and milestones for your project.
No brainer, add spacemouse to the workflow and save atleast 18%- 24%. It's a must have tool for CAD professionals. Moreover it improves designers posture and promotes work place ergonomics.
Utilize keyboard shortcuts and customized hotkeys to expedite common actions, reducing the time spent navigating menus. Implement parametric modeling techniques to easily modify design parameters, enhancing flexibility and iteration speed. Leverage pre-built templates and libraries for standard components to accelerate the initial stages of product design. Integrate real-time rendering tools to visualize designs instantly, aiding in quick decision-making and design validation. Explore plugins or add-ons that automate repetitive tasks and extend the software's capabilities, boosting overall efficiency.
Plan your projects by knowing the tasks involved in creating that design and also the deliverables. I suggest the plans are noted down so none would be skipped. Planing also helps the designer know the scope of the project as well as the timeline and budget.
Know what process you're using before designing. If you don't you might have to redesign your parts. That would be a big waste of time. Here's some additional questions you should ask: Is this going to be a high or low fidelity prototype? What is the purpose of the prototype? What printing process is the best fit? Understand the dimension of the layers and the tolerance of the prints. Design your moving parts with the space required to prevent rubbing or crashing. If you're using threaded inserts, how much space is needed to glue them in properly. Understand the material properties. What are the strengths and weaknesses. Printing metal often requires sintering. Your designs should be scaled accordingly since your it will shrink.
Embarking on a 3D modeling project without a well-thought-out plan is akin to navigating uncharted waters without a compass. The sage advice encapsulated in the title, "Plan your project," is more than just a truism—it's a guiding principle that profoundly impacted my 3D modeling journey. In sharing my personal experience, I can attest to the transformative power of meticulous planning before diving into the intricate world of digital design.
One of the easiest ways to optimize your 3D modeling workflow is to use shortcuts and templates whenever possible. Shortcuts are keyboard commands that allow you to perform common actions faster and more conveniently, such as moving, rotating, scaling, or selecting objects. You can learn the default shortcuts of your software, or customize them according to your preference. Templates are pre-made files that contain basic settings, objects, or scenes that you can use as a starting point for your project. You can create your own templates, or use the ones provided by your software or other sources. Templates can save you time and effort by eliminating the need to repeat the same steps every time you start a new project.
Shortcuts and templates really saves time especially when you're dealing with a small level project. However, it is also good for a designer to be able to master a design tool, that way irrespective of the templates used, one could still find a way to tweak it to the way the client wants.
1. Develop custom tools and scripts tailored to your specific product design needs. This can automate your repetitive tasks, like generating standard components. 2. Create intelligent parametric models that can adapt to different scenarios. This can automate changes, reducing manual work when design requirements changes. 3. Implement design automation techniques to auto generate complex geometries based on predefined set of rules. 4. Develop product configurators that allow for easy customization of designs by end users or sales team. This can be integrated with your CAD system to automatically generate 3D models and 2D drawings based on user given inputs. 5. Develop custom UI for your CAD software that tailored for your custom needs.
Todos los software de dise?o tienen accesos directos por medio del teclado o mouse a diferentes acciones o comandos especiales para el dibujo tridimensional, la mayoría de estos permite gestionar estos comando para personalizarlos y hacerlos totalmente propios en caso de manejar 2 o más tipos de software a la vez. Para la hora de hacer planos de detalle la mayoría de software paramétricos me han permitido generar listados de materiales automáticos y totalmente customizados por medio de las descripciones de las piezas guardadas, el calculo de peso por medio de volumen y densidad del material (librerías estándar), cantidad de piezas por ensamble y gestión de sistemas de sujeción para grandes ensambles con tornilleria estándar.
Design is subjective, 1. prepare all the required information required such as the budget purposal,problem statement,target audience, methodology, time frame and technologies applied. 2. Study of current product, similar product available in market. Studies of current product improvement and limitation 3. Study of Product Standard, Procedure, Protocol,Environmental, Professional Certicate will be applies (Medical, Electronic, Telecommunications, Gas or waste) 4. Design is not just give birth to the product, the main aim is to define how long that product will be sustain in market or useful to other (community)
We always start with a basic template and use keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures and the solidworks shortcut bar. The shortcut bar is programed as a button on our mouse(logitech gaming mouse). The next level is building an expansive library. Finally if you want to get deep, learning to create macros and automate redundant tasks.
Another way to optimize your 3D modeling workflow is to organize your files and layers properly. Files are the documents that contain your 3D models, and layers are the subdivisions that group different objects or elements within your files. By organizing your files and layers, you can make your work more manageable, accessible, and editable. You can do this by naming your files and layers clearly and consistently, using folders and subfolders to categorize them, and deleting or archiving the ones you don't need. You can also use color codes, tags, or labels to mark your files and layers for easier identification.
One thing i really find important is to organize your files and layers. Naming layers makes your file easily editable by co-designers and also presents a sense of professionalism to your team.
Often, separating components into layers is overlooked as a factor for time-efficient working, especially among beginners. However, most seasonal professionals know that creating components, blocks and separating them in layers prevents accidental merging or stickiness of objects with each other within the software. This is a skill often learned through experience and multiple mishaps. However a disciplined learner can minimise these mishaps by planning components and layers in advance.
When working with a 3D model, it's crucial to pay close attention to your layers, considering that they can significantly impact the final result. Take the time to rename your layers with context, as this practice not only facilitates seamless navigation back and forth in your project but also proves invaluable during collaboration with other designers. By adopting a systematic naming convention, you enhance the clarity and understanding of your design structure, making it easier for both yourself and your collaborators to comprehend the intricacies of the 3D model. This disciplined approach to layer organization not only improves your workflow.
One important thing is to have each feature and layer specifically named from the beginning, especially for the complex models where a lot of layers and features are shown in the model tree. It would be very time consuming to search something with generic name, that you want to suppress or delete...
A good nomenclature is key here, and many firms have adopted a standard naming convention, in order to easily browse through design and layers
Optimizing your models means making them as efficient and effective as possible, without compromising their quality or functionality. This can help you improve your performance, reduce errors, and save space and memory. There are several ways to optimize your models, such as using the right level of detail, reducing the number of polygons, applying modifiers and transformations, simplifying textures and materials, and cleaning up any unwanted or overlapping geometry. You can also use tools such as decimators, remeshers, or optimizers to automate or assist you in this process.
3 steps in total: 1. know what are you going to build 2. rough 3D modeling(does not have any details, just form and architecture). this stage, I would usually explore a variety of form and compare them to pick the best out of all. 3. refine details
I agree, it helps to avoid things like helical threads and splines if possible. This tends to help performance in larger assemblies.
You need to know what you're building. 3D modeling involves replicating real-world elements. Try to gather feedback externally; it will sharpen your models and yield good results.
Simulation can also be useful to optimise models. Genrerally, this requires the use of another software, but it allows to create design loops and modify according to simulation results without having to build prototypes
Most of us are working in an industry where the portfolio of products is limited so the design scope is limited; This can be used as an advantage. The limited portfolio means that we can use one base model with a relative dimensioning method, so create one such base model so that that model can act as a base model for all future designs. With changing some basic dimensions, all the related features would change accordingly saving valuable time thus optimizing design time. For eg. if you work in a connector industry then most of the connectors have a common shape and structure the size is just catered as per the customer's need and terminal numbers. So preparing and using the same base model would be far more efficient.
The final step to optimize your 3D modeling workflow is to test and export your models. Testing your models means checking them for any issues or errors, such as missing or distorted parts, gaps or holes, or incorrect dimensions or orientations. You can use tools such as validators, inspectors, or analyzers to detect and fix these problems. You can also preview your models in different lighting, angles, or environments to see how they look and behave. Exporting your models means saving them in the appropriate format and resolution for your intended purpose, such as printing, rendering, or prototyping. You can use tools such as exporters, converters, or slicers to do this. You can also compress or archive your models to reduce their size and make them easier to share or store.
1. Test your designs(models) to make sure it aligns with the clients demand. 2. Make any necessary changes if need be and save. 3. Export the models and hand-off.
Sempre que possível, exporte seu modelo em um arquivo neutro como step ou x_t e teste sua importa??o para ver como o modelo se comporta. As vezes no software nativo parece estar tudo ok, mas ao exportar s?o encontrados problemas, chegando ao ponto até de algumas pe?as serem suprimidas da montagem.
CAD to Prototyping is the key workflow, the more speed you can add to this stage, iterating on the design & re-prototype is the real groundbreaking way to work.
In addition, I would say more practice would help you further optimize your workflow. Some things would be easier to carry out during the process because of the practice you have already put in, in that aspect. Also focus, try to focus on the main thing and not doing everything everywhere. Be intentional about each step. Let it count towards the goal not your ego.
Always always plan to keep your model stable first and flexible for future second. Use and reuse as many components as possible. Place all the fasteners and off the shelf components in folders that organize them not just for you but also for manufacturing and producibility.
Prior to consider to organise 3D CAD modeling workflow a lot of time should be spent in design modeling pre analysis. This involves use of other tools like datasheets and hand notes and sketches and tests, if possible a first prototypes to reinforce the product vision. The need to reiterate will manifest in fact anyhow during the designing process but despite the ability to use the SW, it should be clear since the beginning the scope of the project. Personally I start to create the CAD workflow and timeline after I have the feeling that 70-80% of the product concept it is defined in its variables. Because I know I will have anyhow to face some unexpected variation and correct along the work pipeline. This action will optimize deliveries.
If you have repetitive time consuming tasks consider macros or contracting someone who can create them for you. I design full time but have created more than 40 programs that we use days for tasks.
So many insightful contributions here already, I'll only add that as much as you practice, don't be afraid to customize the software to your needs. Do you prefer a darker workspace theme? Or perhaps you've never tried out the SOLIDWORKS mouse wheel menu? Or maybe you keep having to go into the "create" drop-down menu in fusion 360 to use the pattern tool instead of moving it to the ribbon or using the search feature. In my experience, the more you personalize your workspace, the more comfortable you feel and that translates to efficiency.