Image of a turbine showcasing the complexity of its multiple parts.

3D animation for industrial processes demonstration

"Come, I'll show you" - is one of the answers we all often give when asked about how something works, which button to press or how to place the capsule in the coffee maker. It is generally the easiest: to come closer to that machine or device and directly start it up, show live how it works or where the coffee will come from.

But of course, this possibility is not always an option or it is very expensive. There are companies that do it, they move their machines to the furthest fair or invite their potential customers to their facilities to hit the ON button and show everything their equipment can do. These commercial actions are necessary in many cases in the industry to close the sale, but they are slow, expensive and within reach of only a few businesses.

3D animation is a very useful tool to show the operation and processes of equipment and machinery of all kinds, from the capsule coffee maker to a non-return valve system for aquaculture. As experts in 3D graphic design, we'd like to highlight that process visualization is one of the main advantages of using 3D animation in the industry.

3D animation allows you to create three-dimensional images and videos that represent objects and processes with a high degree of realism and detail. It is highly customizable and easily adaptable to reflect changes in processes or systems. This is especially useful in industry, where 3D animation is commonly used in areas such as engineering, manufacturing, automotive, and aeronautics. In each of these areas, 3D animation can be used to show how products work, are assembled or manufactured, or how systems interact in a specific environment.

Advantages of 3D animation: show it as if they were here with you

If you have ever faced that client who has doubts about your new "capsule coffee maker" you will immediately understand all these points listed below as a summary of the advantages of producing animations to show processes and operations, especially in the industry.

1. Leave no doubts, maximum visual clarity

3D animation is a highly effective visual tool to clearly and accurately communicate the operation of machinery, equipment and processes. Compared to conventional videos, 3D animations offer greater visual clarity and highlight essential details to communicate about the different components, how they relate to each other and the actions that a user or worker must perform during the operation of equipment.

3D animation allows to approach from the best angle or point of view for each part of the process being represented. Instead of relying on two-dimensional images, viewers can see how parts move and work together in three-dimensional space, increasing their understanding and improving their ability to retain the information presented.

Another key benefit of 3D animation is that it can show processes that are difficult to see with the naked eye, either because they are hidden within equipment or because they happen on a microscopic level. 3D animation can virtually take apart equipment to show how each part works, or even simulate processes at the molecular level, allowing for much deeper and more detailed communication of how the represented systems work.

In addition to offering greater visual clarity, 3D animation can also save time and resources by effectively showing how a piece of equipment or a process works digitally. Instead of relying on expensive physical prototypes or actual machinery, 3D animations can show equipment in action virtually and significantly reduce the time and cost to test and improve actual equipment.

It is also much faster and easier to transport, share and disseminate content. You get an impromptu invitation for a business presentation this Wednesday? Well, you can bring the 3D video of the 5 meter lathe that you sell. The 5-meter lathe itself…is difficult to take with you in this case, to support your presentation with quality material, generating a good image and attracting more attention.

Furthermore, 3D animation can simulate work situations and allow employees to visualize and understand the operation of equipment and processes. If 3D models are used to generate virtual or augmented reality experiences, employees will be able to practice in a safe and controlled virtual environment.

3D animation can also help reduce errors and prevent safety issues in the workplace. By simulating work situations in a virtual environment, designers and operators can identify and resolve potential problems before they occur in the real environment, which can prevent injuries and equipment damage.

3. Greater interaction: leaving behind the "Please do not touch"

3D animation allows the user to interact with the model and view it from different angles and perspectives, which can make it easier to understand how it works.

For example, users can control and rotate 3D models to view specific details, or even interact with them to simulate their use in a real environment. This not only helps to improve understanding of the operation of the equipment or process, but can also be useful in detecting potential design or usage errors that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. With a potential client, this allows for example to recreate how your equipment will work specifically with their products or in their production plant.

The interaction can also support decision making, allowing users to explore different design options and see how they might affect equipment or process performance.

Steps to follow to create a 3D animation that shows operation and processes

To create a 3D animation that shows the operation and processes of a piece of equipment or system, it is important to consider a few factors before starting. First of all, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the processes and the operation of the product or system that is going to be animated, in order to be able to represent it accurately and realistically (even when we are going to make a simplified version).

When creating 3D animation, it is important to avoid some common mistakes. One of them is not paying attention to the scale and proportions of the animated object or system. It is important to ensure that the dimensions of the animation are consistent with the actual dimensions of the object or system. Another common mistake is not paying attention to the colors and texture of animated objects and surfaces, which can make the animation appear unrealistic.

Our team at Despunte has a technical background wiht experience in engineering. That's the reason why we are the ideal partner to carry out this type of work. Communication with your team and the interpretation of machinery, processes and systems is our specialty.

"Look, I'll show you"

In summary, 3D animation is very effective in showing operations and processes in a variety of industries. It offers greater visual clarity, time and resource savings, greater interaction potential, and greater accuracy compared to traditional product presentation methods such as photos and video. It is a very accessible visualization tool for companies of any size and budget.

As you have seen, 3D animation is a good tool for any company looking to present their product or process in a clear and convincing way. The ability to show details and processes that would otherwise be difficult to capture can be the difference between a mediocre presentation and one that impresses and wins over your audience. It is a great support for communication for the industrial and manufacturing sector, in construction, medicine and for marketing and sales professionals.