Ever seen a 3D movie? How does every object feel lively and out of the screen? Or ever bought a 3D model that is way better than just a 2D representation of an object?
These all are applications of 3D or three-dimensional technology which even finds its application in futuristic technologies of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).
Let’s deep dive to know what 3D is and what its future looks like.
With the inception of 3D models in the 1960s, professionals in the field of computer engineering and automation used mathematical models and data analysis to build the first-ever 3D models.
However, the pioneer of 3D graphics is Ivan Sutherland, the creator of Sketchpad, a program that made it possible to create first-ever 3D objects. Initially, 3D modelling found its application mostly in Television or advertisements, but with time, its presence in other areas of life increased.
What is 3D modelling?
3D modelling is the creation of a three-dimensional model of any object, making it possible to capture the size, shape, and texture of a real or imaginary object.
With 3D, we can represent any surface of any object (living or inanimate) by manipulating edges, vertices, and polygons in a simulated 3D space. To represent a physical body, 3D models use a collection of points in 3D space and connect them by triangles, lines, curved surfaces, etc.
3D models can be created manually or by scanning as it is an accumulation of data in terms of points or sometimes information. Without a 3D model, 3D printing is not possible, which makes 3D a popular or rather useful technology for the future and for years to come!
Companies such as VR Vision Group, NReal, and Tooliqa have been working on blending 3D and Augmented Reality to bring ideas to life digitally and help businesses become more efficient.
Applications of 3D modelling
1. 3D Media
Who doesn’t like watching 3D cinemas in theatres that feel lively? But ever wondered what’s the science behind 3D media and how it works?
Having existed since 1915, 3D cinemas try to create an illusion of three-dimensional solidity by presenting offset images separately to each of our eyes. Then, these offset images are combined by the brain to form a 3D image.
We were able to achieve the 3D form of cinema through techniques involving glasses combining two images or filtering offset images from a single source or we can even have the light source split and let each eye see a different offset image.
We could predict the number of 3D digital screens to rise in the future as 2020 data shows over 122 thousand digital 3D cinema screens running worldwide currently that has increased over 5 times in a decade.
2. 3D Devices
3D Devices are going to rise in popularity in the future as these technologies include Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) that are used to recreate visual appearances in 3D. Although both the technologies are different in many terms, the most significant difference lies in their output of 3D visuals.
Virtual Reality creates a whole new artificial environment that could teleport you to a new world whereas Augmented Reality overlays new information on top of the existing environment that can help visualize any 3D object in your surroundings and observe it.
Also, they have a common link as both the technologies of AR and VR use headsets to make the information or imagery available to the user.
With a lot of companies investing in extended reality (XR) technology which includes all the three technologies of AR, VR and Mixed Reality (MR), the global sales of Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) headsets are projected to reach 26 million units per year by 2023. So yeah, 3D Devices are going to shine in the future.
3. 3D Printing
One of the most disruptive technologies of our time, 3D printing is going to lead the fourth industrial revolution alongside 3D devices. With the rise of 3D printing in the 2010s, the leading sectors like aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, medical industries are employing additive manufacturing systems.
With 3D printing, in just one single process, we can print parts and composites from different materials with unique mechanical and physical properties. In additive manufacturing, materials in the form of layers are added in order to form something new.
Also, the global market for 3D printing and services is projected to grow to almost 50 billion U.S. dollars by 2025 making it a future-proof technology.
From being just a tool to manufacture prototypes to leading modern technological innovations, 3D printing is all set to pioneer the future with its science fiction of 3D-print turbines and cylinder blocks.
Future of 3D modelling
3D modelling has come a long way from being first used 40 years ago. Nowadays, 3D modelling is powerful enough to have a strong impact on many aspects of the daily lives of people in the world.
As for 3D printing, with Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printers, it’s more affordable now than ever. These are so affordable that a decent quality printer is now available at a price less than USD 200 for entry-level machines.
3D modelling and 3D printing are going to rise in popularity in the future as more people get access to cheap technologies to come up with a 3D model with slight hard work.
With cheap 3D printing, people now have the opportunity to cut time, cost and money to build prototypes and make their lives much easier than before.
The low resolution being the biggest downside for 3D modelling will be resolved in the future, making 3D technology more inviting in future years to come.
With all the industries and businesses looking to cut their production costs and maximize profits, they will shift towards 3D modelling in future. For instance, real estate agents can opt for virtual staging instead of traditional staging methods to save money, as 3D modelling technologies will make it possible to deliver the same experience to customers as earlier.
What’s next?
With revolutionizing healthcare to innovating industries, 3D modelling has a great future ahead. It has applications in the Entertainment industry, Advertisements, Medicines and much more. Also, the growth of 3D modelling is fueled by trending technologies like AR and VR which are going to make our lives easier than before.
Being accessible to the general public at affordable prices, people in the world are experimenting with 3D modelling, and we will witness a lot of new innovative technologies in the future years to come.
Read also: Impact Of 3D Modelling on Architectural Design Education (tooli.qa)
Tooliqa specializes in AI, Computer Vision and Deep Technology to help businesses simplify and automate their processes with our strong team of experts across various domains.
Want to know more on how AI can result in business process improvement? Let our experts guide you.
Reach out to us at business@tooli.qa.
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