Importing CAD models into 3D Animation Software.

CAD models contain all the details that the factory needs to know to produce the product. Those details are often overkill when you want to use the model for visual purposes in a 3d animation. But you also want accuracy and all the details that are visual. By using your CAD model and importing it into 3D animation software, you get the best of both worlds – perfect size and shape and a realistic model that looks good in the animation.

The process of importing the CAD model can be tricky if you do not have the proper tools to convert a CAD model to a 3d animation model. I've found that PolyTrans 3D converter is the most professional software you can buy for that purpose and it is not cheap. It is extremely good. The models import without significant problems in all the following formats:

Autodesk .dwg .dxf

Autodesk Inventor .iam .ipt

IGES .igs .iges

Solid Edge .asm .prt

Solid Works .sldasm .sldprt

Once the model imports, the animator has to clean them up, simplify the model where possible to improve animation speed and install any rigs to move the different parts of the model. The surface is perfect shape, but the textures are usually simple colors or no texture at all when the model first imports. The animator must choose colors and textures to match the real world appearance of the model.

After that import, the model is essentially the same as any other 3d model that is built from scratch. Because the CAD contained all details, we can break the model apart and show all the inter workings as it moves through the animation sequence.

In conclusion, CAD models are an excellent way to save time and get the exact model into your animation. Make sure the animator has imported such models before or can show you a picture of your own model after import. Any professional animator who deals with inventors and business people is always ready to sign and honor a NDA (non disclosure agreement) to protect your product and intellectual property.