Organizations worldwide transform their CAD drawings into end-user products or prototypes through 2D and 3D modeling. These renderings can help manufacturers identify potential design flaws early for faster, less costly modifications.
2D modeling is a flattened rendering showing a product’s length and height but not its depth. These measurements typically appear in square units, such as square inches. Due to the flat-surface nature of 2D modeling, it’s more suitable for shapes like polygons, squares, triangles and rectangles. Prototyping is often a necessary step for ensuring project success.
With 3D modeling, the process has an extra dimension that allows for viewing height, length and depth directly on the computer screen. Designers generally express measurements in 3D modeling in cubic units, such as cubic centimeters. This approach produces results like spheres, cylinders, pyramids, cubes and prisms.
Both modeling styles produce engineering drawings with a series of circles, points, arcs and lines. Since 3D modeling contains the extra depth dimension, there’s naturally more information available. Products are also often easier to visualize since the computer creates a 3D model that designers can rotate and manipulate to get a closer look. This capability can help eliminate the need for prototyping before production.
There are cases where one modeling approach may be more suitable than the other.
2D modeling is ideal for manufacturers who prefer the standardization and familiarity of flat-surface renderings. Many find them easier to interpret and quote. Plus, the ability to create a “print version” allows them to share the drawings with employees on the production lines for quality reference.
Conversely, 3D modeling is best in cases where a realistic view of the project is necessary. The ability to display additional details often helps engineers find project flaws faster and without prototyping. Authorized users can access the renderings from any computer.
The experienced team at PBZ Manufacturing can help you determine the best modeling method for your project.
PBZ Manufacturing is a one-stop solution for manufacturing with the resources and expertise to take a project from planning to design and completion. As a full-service metal manufacturer, our capabilities include engineering, 2D and 3D modeling, fabrication, finishing, assembly and shipping under one roof. This translates directly into time and money savings by removing unnecessary layers from your supply chain.
Contact us for a free quote on modeling or any of our end-to-end manufacturing support services.