TechViz - Blog - AR / VR for engineering

Designing and manufacturing aircrafts is quite a challenge. The million parts composing a plane must be as light as possible, while extremely resistant, and they must be assembled in a precise order. This has to be done in a context of fully globalized supply chains, with subassemblies prepared in different locations across the globe.

 Hence you should watch for some key issues: 

• The risk of conception errors is multiplied by the number of contractors and workers involved in the project

As manufacturing grew more complex, the need to find and fix errors before production has become crucial, hence the need for design reviews. But let’s be realistic a moment: if it happens with the 3D model of an airplane or a manufacturing plant, good luck finding it! This is where Virtual Reality (VR) intervenes (and especially VR collaboration). VR design review enables you to be immersed in your 3D data, see your product at full-scale and simulate its operation.

A point cloud is a set of points in space, generally produced by laser scanning (LiDAR) or photogrammetry. Depending on their density, these points help you visualize the external surfaces of objects or environments. Therefore, they are often used in the construction industry, along with BIM models.

But such sets of data can do a lot more for your industry. 3D scanning technology enables you to capture a digital copy of an object, when creating a CAD model from scratch can be long, costly and complex. Let’s see why point clouds in virtual reality can be a great asset for your industry and how to use it efficiently.

“Digital twin” is very trendy expression, but what it covers is sometimes unclear. This popular innovation receives lots of interest from the industry and promises to boost productivity at al levels of the value chain. Why? Because it pushes back the boundaries of the virtual prototypes, allowing engineers to apprehend the product or system inside their environment. This goal can only be achieved through a VR software, in order to visualize the product in the in-service stage, and supplement the 3D model with simulation data.

Developing and manufacturing a product is a long and costly process, which often requires the continuous participation of several departments, or even different suppliers. Through all the development stages, from getting the idea to selling your product, there is a need for consistent information and communication while designing, engineering, marketing and manufacturing your products. This is where 3D visualization comes in, from Solidworks models to Techviz VR system.