CAD Conversions to Render Styles - One Mesh, Multiple Deliverables
CAD Import to Render
The primary focus with importing CAD data for products is to confirm the accuracy of the model. Some CAD assemblies transfer in via .STP files perfectly, but others can have various issues. Topology aside, surface design features and contours are the key to accuracy.
The product here is a portable power plate to use your batteries as a portable power source to charge phones and electronics in emergencies, or for travel.
Once the cleanup is completed to avoid visual artifacts, the CAD model is exported over into the destination software for lighting, materials and rendering. In this case, Blender will be used for this project, but Maya/Redshift is another option depending on the client's request for final look and deliverables. The CAD model is imported and placed on a ground plane. In product rendering, it is usually a standard setup to place the product into a white cyc environment with studio lighting, with a slightly reflective floor. The final render look is determined post compositing, but a typical setup is a studio lighting environment with potential custom lighting for surface shape and detail.
Once the mesh is setup with the elements and hierarchy established (rigging for animation where needed), the materials are applied as well as converting the materials document (CMF Doc), as well as branding and label artwork. These start as vector files and are converted into high resolution texture maps for label placement. The additional advantage of rendering this way is that the labels can be rendered as a separate layer in the final composite to assist with any adjustments or updates that may occur with branding elements, and can be swapped out as an element as opposed to a full re-render of the 3D scene.
The vector/graphics files are converted into texture maps and then applied to the 3D scene and the final camera angles and output options are setup for render. 3D viewport proofs are provided to confirm that the materials and branding match the real world counterpart.
Multi-pass renders of various camera angles as well as a potential usage shown as a video clip.
Alternate render options can now be produced depending on needs and destination. The product packaging or even usage artwork stills can be rendered out as technical art cutaways, or even trace outline images for labeling or manuals.
