What to Prepare for a 3D Visualization Project

Acceptable material types

A 3D visualization project does not require everything to be complete before starting. Any of the following can serve as a starting point:

CAD / STEP models: the ideal input. Can be imported directly into 3D software, preserving equipment structure and dimensional accuracy. Accepts native files from SolidWorks, Inventor, UG, CATIA or STEP intermediate format.

2D drawings: general arrangements, equipment layouts, process flow diagrams, P&ID. Even without 3D models, dimensioned 2D drawings can be used to rebuild 3D scenes.

Photos and video: site photos, equipment photos, existing promotional footage. Used to supplement visual detail, material references and environmental context. Phone photos work too, but multi-angle coverage is needed.

Presentations and documents: technical proposals, process descriptions, operation manuals. Used to understand the information priorities and logical sequence to communicate.

Existing video: previously produced animation or filmed footage. Reference frames can be extracted, or the material can be remade on this basis.

Reference cases: Wanhua Chemical Site Visualization and Automotive Powertrain Visualization used different types of starting material.

Materials do not need to be perfect

Many clients worry that their materials are “not good enough” or “not in the right format.” They do not need to be. Our job is to extract usable structural information from existing materials and fill in the gaps.

Common situations:

• Only PDF drawings, no CAD files—we can rebuild from drawing dimensions
• 3D models but no materials—we add materials and lighting
• Photos but no dimensions—we estimate scale from reference objects
• Nothing at all, just a concept—we start from reference images and descriptions

The key is to confirm what to communicate first, then decide which materials are needed. If the goal is explaining how equipment works, structure drawings and principle descriptions matter most. If the goal is showing an overall site layout, general arrangements and photos are critical.

Confidentiality

Material scope, authorized participants and delivery methods can be agreed before project kickoff. Materials without publication permission will not appear on the public website.

Our 3D Animation service and Digital Twin / Web3D service both support starting from different material types.

Tips to accelerate kickoff

1. Send a list of available materials first (not the files themselves—just what types exist)
2. Mark which materials are confidential
3. Describe the project purpose and target audience
4. Provide expected timeline

We will respond within 1-2 business days with a material assessment, gap analysis and fill-in suggestions, then define the production scope and schedule.