3DVIA 3D Model Blog » Features

Cliff’s Clips: Enhancing Photos Easily Using 3D Models

cmedling — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:59:08 +0000

One of the primary uses of Adobe Photoshop users is editing or enhancing Photos. This can be from quick touch-up to major changes in the photo. One of the quickest ways to accomplish this is using 3D Models. 3D Models allow you to adjust the perspective, lighting, colors, textures easily, whereas building in 2D does not.

In this video I turn Jewels the Cat into…da-da-da-da…Rocket Cat. You will have to see how easy this was to do using the 3DVIA for Adobe Photoshop Plugin.

I used two nice models on 3DVIA in the video: The Rocket, and Goggles for the Cat.

3DVIA Challenge 16 Champion(s)!

jdelrio — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:05:16 +0000

Battleships being one of my favorites and because of the rule changes till we can allow voting again I decided to do something diffrent. With soo many great ships I decided to choose 1 over all winner and 2 others to stand with him in our new armada. Our over all winner is Marian with his Sarmizegetusa Regia, and standing on his left and right shoulders are XQH_XXX’s Punisher Battleship and Kiml’s Explorer Ship. Marian’s ship shows a a magnificent grasp of ship design and construction. XQH’s ship is a 3DVIA Shape masterpiece, suprising many of the judges. Kiml’s ship has a fantastic silhouete and really evokes stories of fantastic voyages across the stars. Congratulations everyone!

Time permitting I’m going to create more of these shots, including all the fantastic ship entries into one large poster. I created this using the 3DVIA for Photoshop Plug-in. I’ll make available for all here. :) Thank you all for participating!

Our next challenge will have a prize but the one you expect! :) And will be open to everyone. Woot!

In case you missed them, here is the Challenge Champion and his Captains!

Our next Challenge will begin next week, and I’ve been going through the suggestions on the Challenge Forum Thread so if you have any late additions be sure to include them soon! Start practicing for next week, because next time, you could be our Champion!

-Juan

3DVIA Top 10 models – 053

dswavely — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:05:26 +0000

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, October 31st through Friday, November 6th are highlighted here. Instead of the usual snappy repartee about how excellent all the models are this week (although they are, of course, in your face fabulous) I must mention that I will be out of the office for the next four weeks :( and will not be doing Top 10 posts (or any other posts) during those weeks.

You will also notice an abrupt cessation of my incredibly witty remarks about your models :(. I am as sorry as you are (if you are at all sorry and not actually planning a huge party) because it is so much fun (and hard work too).

So, PLEASE be nice to each other, support each other and kick only the people who deserve it (but kick kindly of course). See you all in a little while!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 31 seconds and see all of the included models before you forget what you were trying to remember to do. :)

Easy links to the previous Top 10 lists: 001 – 002 – 003 – 004 – 005 – 006 – 007 – 008 – 009 – 010 – 011 – 012 – 013 – 014 – 015 – 016 – 017 -018 – 019 – 020 – 021 – 022 – 023 – 024 – 025 – 026 – 027 – 028 – 029 – 030 – 031 – 032 – 033 – 034 – 035 – 036 – 037 – 038 – 039 – 040 – 041 – 042 – 043 – 044 – 045 – 046 – 047 – 048 – 049 – 050 – 051 – 052

The Top 10:

I am very impressed with Macaquekillerbot (Textured Version) which was created by lof1 using 3DVIA Shape. The level of detail is phenomenal and I really like the concept of pivoting the skull on two spheres to control its actions. If I ever see this thing, I’m running – fast!

You know I’m going to love this Ferrari 599 GTB, carefully crafted by Oscar using Blender, and I do! I know he’s still working on it, but I just couldn’t wait to show it off. He also painted it Ferrari Fly Yellow, which is my favorite color for a Ferrari after red. :) Great job Oscar! [Oscar/mynameisoscarjo is from Sweden]

Take some time to enjoy 24-Cell constructed by Scott (mtgtopdeck). It’s worth taking it for a spin and finding each new and surprising view as you move it around.

Bulby Fights LUXO by Parth uses 3DVIA Shape and its great remix tools to pull in most of the elements that he needed from his own models. That left him able to concentrate on getting the humorous story that he is telling just right. Everyone will know when the KO punch comes – they’ll be avoiding shards of flying glass! [Parth/XQH_XXX is from India]

Meshup Cylinder is a fantastic piece of sculpture by 01337 using Photoshop and an OBJ Generator. Great colors and shading and an involving form both inside and out!

Shrek is going to need all the help he can get in May the Force Be With Shrek!! by Abu. Using 3DVIA Shape, Abu has created what looks like a fantasy mash-up of fairy tales, movies and user models. I hope he tells us in a future model whether Shrek made it or not! [Abu/abu_roadking is from India]

Antichron by Scott (mtgtopdeck) shows the amazing artistic and totally logical connections of sculpture and mathematics. Go here for a quick description of the more esoteric reasons why this is true.

Mahendra’s Coxept model shows where incredible exuberance and creative energy can take you! Of course not everyone will like every part of this concept, but when you’re exploring, anywhere is a good place to go. Great job Mahendra! CATIA V5 is his tool of choice. [Mahendra/mahendra48 is from Indonesia]

John used a VRML Generator to create his Oil and Gas Noavatarz corrected model. Please view the model carefully and zoom in to get a much better appreciation of the huge amount of work John did to create an accurate model like this. Without models like this and patience like John’s, most of the things that we take for granted wouldn’t even exist. [John/johnc is from the UK]

This amazing Sphera Simplified was imagined and modeled by epcinnova and then uploaded here in 3DS format. The imagination and engineering stretch to create concepts like this are fantastic to see! [epcinnova is from Spain]

Honorable Mentions:

Great textures make Camera by Abu a useful little model that can be used in lots of places without loading up on polygons. 3DVIA Shape is Abu’s modeling tool in this case (he also uses CATIA and other more sophisticated software). [Abu/abu_roadking is from India]

This simple and very elegant Candle by Parth was modeled using 3DVIA Shape. [Parth/XQH_XXX is from India]

perecat1 has turned his imagination to the skies in one of his latest models – Airplane. I sure do enjoy looking at it, but don’t think I’d be too eager to take a ride. perecat1 uses 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

This little Duck Train by fnj_123, makes me smile and quack every time I see it! Who knew that modeling in 3DVIA Shape could end up being so much fun? :) [fnj_123 is from India]

I appreciate all the detail in both the wheel and the tire tread that makes Truck Wheel by Marian such a great-looking and useful model. He created it using Google SketchUp. [Marian is from Romania]

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions are displayed is based on color, type of model and how I’m feeling, not any particular ranking. I just rearrange them until I like the way it looks. It’s as simple as that!

Here’s a brief recap of what I look for when I select the “Top 10″ and “Honorable Mentions”:

Variety – One of the most important factors. I try to show models created using lots of different software products and showing lots of different ways of using 3D. I include brief comments on why I chose each model.

Creativity, unusual subject matter and humor – These are big factors. We should all be having fun and feel free to model our passions!

Models must be uploaded by the original modeler – Many times I find models that I think will add to the community and will upload them with credit given to the modeler. These and other models that I can’t be reasonably sure who modeled them (for example – commercial models) are a welcome addition to the 3DVIA community, but the goal of the “Top 10″ is to encourage individual modelers and reward their special creativity.

Models entered in the 3DVIA Challenge contests will not be considered – They’re already getting plenty of attention and I want to spotlight models we may have missed.

There is no reward given – Other than the satisfaction of being noticed, spotlighted and being brought to the attention of more modelers. In my personal experience, the pleasure of having my work appreciated is the ultimate reward anyway.

Your comments are always welcomed and encouraged! Your responses will help the modelers and the 3DVIA community as a whole. Feel free to bring other models to my attention and let me know why they attracted you. (PLEASE NOTE: In order to make it easier to explore, all photos are linked directly to the model’s page.)

One final note of caution: these are my choices (dswavely) and my choices alone. So, aim the tomatoes appropriately.

Cliff’s Clips: Three Great Uses for 3DVIA for Photoshop

cmedling — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:35:06 +0000

This video tutorial covers three great examples of how using the 3DVIA Plugin for Adobe Photoshop can greatly speed up creating a design. Some things are quicker in 2D, but when creating silhouettes, a 3D filmstrip, or a 3D icon, using the 3D capabilities within Adobe Photoshop, and the 3DVIA plugin for Photoshop can be created in only minutes.

Be sure to see how the 3DVIA plugin could help you in this video.

For simple instructions on how to install and use the 3DVIA plugin, see this short video.

Have any ideas for more great uses for 3D within Photoshop, let us know.

3DVIA Top 10 models – 052 – One Full Year of Celebrating Your Models!

dswavely — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:58:42 +0000

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, October 24th through Friday, October 30th are highlighted here. Yikes! 52 Top 10’s filled with your models! 520 models ranked as the best of the week and another 250 included as Honorable Mentions (- 001 and -002 didn’t have Honorable Mentions). That’s dang close to 800 models that have received special recognition!

Thanks to all of you for checking the Top 10 each week and for making it a worthy goal to be included. Everyone has been incredibly gracious as I bumble along trying to pick the most-deserving models.

Thank you also for being so positive, helpful and for making 3DVIA a real community of folks helping each other have fun and learn more about 3D modeling!

Next week I’ll write a celebratory post with some facts and figures (and, of course, some visual examples) of how the year stacked up. Feel free to send me any comments that you’d like to have included in the post by Tuesday, November 17 and I’ll do my best to squeeze them in.

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 33 seconds and see all of the included models before you forget what you were trying to remember to do. :)

Easy links to the previous Top 10 lists:

001 – 002 – 003 – 004 – 005 – 006 – 007 – 008 – 009 – 010 – 011 – 012 – 013 – 014 – 015 – 016 – 017 -018 – 019 – 020 – 021 – 022 – 023 – 024 – 025 – 026 – 027 – 028 – 029 – 030 – 031 – 032 – 033 – 034 – 035 – 036 – 037 – 038 – 039 – 040 – 041 – 042 – 043 – 044 – 045 – 046 – 047 – 048 – 049 – 050 – 051

The Top 10:

The model concept and the details that make it work are excellent. I especially like the fire and smoke signals in Hmm!!, conceived and modeled by Jesse using CATIA V5. I sure hope the answer helps the frown become a smile! [Jesse/mastic is from Spain]

B.C. Rich Tracii Guns (Gunslinger) Model was modeled by Shannon using Google SketchUp and his usual meticulous attention to details. You can find other Gunslinger models at the B.C. Rich Guitars web site. [Shannon/sandman14 is from the US]

You better wear these in the right place! Rampone Salewa Cinghiato (crampons) are beautifully modeled by Gregorio using SolidWorks 2009. Just make sure you take them off before you go bowling or golfing!

If we have the right mind-set, we can all learn from the story told in the Destroying and Rebuilding model created by Abu using 3DVIA Shape. It is another example of his great ability to bring a meaningful story to life using 3D. [Abu/abu_roadking is from India]

Oscar created this incredible model of the Koenigsegg CCX several months ago using Blender, but it was too big to upload to 3DVIA. Juan and I volunteered to see if we could get it down to size using our variety of apps and supposed experience. Oscar was EXTREMELY patient and we finally got it back to him over 3 months later! Of course, Juan and I did have a few other things to do, like all of us.

You have to go explore this model in detail. I consider it one of the best on the site – right up there with Benoit Caselli’s great concept car. To be fair to Benoit, he also had to work hard to remove the right details in order to get his file down to size. Don’t take my word for it. Visit both and be amazed! [Oscar/mynameisoscarjo is from Sweden]

P I X A R by Parth is a humorous model that is deceivingly complex. Using 3DVIA Shape, Parth has created accurate serif lettering and most of the mechanical bits and bits that make up a LUXO lamp. Parth explains in the model description his love of animation and the obvious connection to P I X A R Animation Studios. [Parth/XQH_XXX is from India]

This is a beautifully done model of an underwater exploratory vehicle. Seabotix LBV150 by Gregorio appears to have an open bay just waiting for different payloads to perform a variety of tasks. It was created using SolidWorks 2009.

T Van by Calin is a true concept for the future. Its form and volumes make us stop and think about what a car could look like and how we might use them differently. Calin uploaded his vision using the 3DS format. [Calin/l5o2k1s is from Romania]

Go! Go! Go! by Jesse is a great story. His spunky monkeys have stolen the Dassault Systemes logo and are off to have some mischievous fun! Jesse used CATIA V5. [Jesse/mastic is still from Spain]

As the S&B Filters web page says: 2009 Scoop REV 4 by DC82 is all about “AIR IN. POWER OUT.” DS82 created this complexly surfaced model using SolidWorks 2009. (I used the brand new 3DVIA for Adobe Photoshop plugin to easily create the inset section view, while still in Photoshop, to help explain the innards.

Honorable Mentions:

This well-detailed kitchen is called Cuisine and was designed by totor009 using SolidWorks 2009.

trigram_VMP put transparency and great textures to work to create Abstract Planet using 3DVIA Shape. There are at least six planets within the parent planet. [trigram_VMP is from India]

Meca Spyder was created by Gruguir using Lightwave3D. I really like the combination of the organic and metallic looks! Is it alive or is it a machine?

Nikolal put his imagination to work and designed the Cyberplane for the future. He uploaded it using the 3DS format. [Nikolal/zenox is from Serbia & Montenegro]

Grr… introduces us to two menacing characters created by Jesse using CATIA V5. Here’s hoping that they’re our friends too! [As far as I know Jesse/mastic hasn't gone anywhere, so you'll still find him in Spain]

Models must be uploaded by the original modeler – Many times I find models that I think will add to the community and will upload them with credit given to the modeler. These and other models that I can’t be reasonably sure who modeled them (for example – some commercial models) are a welcome addition to the 3DVIA community, but the goal of the “Top 10″ is to encourage individual modelers and reward their special creativity.

3DVIA Challenge 16: Spacecraft: Battleship

jdelrio — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:30:51 +0000

I’ve always had a fascination with these space faring juggernaughts. Nothing fills you with more dread that comming around an asteroid after finishing off those pesky scouts than coming face to face with a battleship. I speak from experience! From X-wing vs Tie-fighter all the way to Descent: Freespace and Taychion the Fringe and of course as I commanded my armada in the Homeworld series.

For this challenge, we want to see your Battleships! Build the core of your armada, with its sleek lines, heavy railguns and beam cannons. This challenge is open to all age groups, you build the ship, we’ll make you famous!

Come on and test your mettle against the best of our community for the chance at fame and fortune. Winners will recieve all the acclaim of being own of our Challenge Champions, a special page we create with your winning entry, and a space on our newsletter, letting everyone know who the Champion is.

Are you the next Champion?

View the Current Models Entered in this Challenge

REMEMBER THESE KEY DATES:

UPLOAD YOUR MODELS:

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 through Sunday, November 29, 2009

VOTE:

Monday November 30, 2009 through Wednesday December 2, 2009

WINNER ANNOUNCED:
Wednesday December 2, 2009

3DVIA USERS – HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CHALLENGE:

A summary of the terms and conditions is included here.

1. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1a. You must be a registered user of 3DVIA.com
3DVIA accounts are free, sign up here.

1b. No Age Restriction.

1c. DS 3DVIA employees involved in the organization of this contest (including their family members) and members of any agencies involved in the organization of this contest (including their families) are not eligible.

2. PARTICIPATION

2a. You must upload one “Battleship” model by Sunday November 29, 2009.
Starting on Thursday, November 11, 2009 through Sunday November 29, 2009, upload your best “Battleship” to 3DVIA. Only new to 3DVIA and original work will be considered, 1 submission per user, NO team entries.

2b. You must tag your 3D model with “3DVIAChallenge16″.
Tag your model with the keyword “3DVIAChallenge16″ – you must use this exact tag to enter (the tag is not case-sensitive). When you add this tag to your model, you will see a pop-up reminder that you must have read and agreed to the 3DVIA website Terms of Use.

2c. Models created using the 3DVIA Shape software which constitute derivative works reproducing existing models created by third parties under the Creative Commons license are eligible for this contest.
More information about Creative Commons can be found at http://creativecommons.org/ and, with respect to the existing licenses, at http://creativecommons.org/about/license.

2d. Models created using the 3DVIA PrintScreen software or any other software that copies existing 3D models, as well as creations containing any third party proprietary elements are not eligible for this contest.

3. LICENSE TO USE THE MODELS

3a. By uploading your model to enter the contest you are granting DS and DS Subsidiaries certain rights regarding how your model may be used to help promote 3DVIA in the marketplace.

4. WINNERS

4a. A jury made up of six 3DVIA representatives will judge each model from 1-10 (10 being the best score) based on the models artistic merit, technical merit and accuracy.

Artistic Design - Eye catching design, the coolness of the model.
Technical Accuracy – Mechanical or realistic accuracy and detail
Modeling Efficiency – Polygonal construction, modeling skill.

If more than one model receives the same score, each model with the same score will be designated as a Winner and will receive the same prize.

4b. The winner will be announced on the 3DVIA.com web site on Wednesday December 2, 2009.

4c. Decisions of the 3DVIA representatives are final.

View the Current Models Entered in this Challenge

Add 3D to your Adobe® Photoshop® artwork with one click.

Emmy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:28:07 +0000

3DVIA is proud to announce 3DVIA for Adobe® Photoshop®, our plugin for importing 3D models directly into Adobe Photoshop compositions.

With just one click, and without ever leaving the Photoshop window, search through the 3DVIA.com model library to select a model and bring it directly into your Photoshop composition. Once there, the model appears as its own layer and can be scaled, positioned and lit as desired.

To learn more about 3DVIA for Adobe Photoshop, click here.

Download and Install this FREE Plugin

CS3 Extended (Windows)
CS4 Extended (Windows)
CS4 Extended (Windows 64-bit)

*Mac version coming soon.

To see our plugin in action, check out Cliff’s latest videos below.

3DVIA Top 10 models – 051

dswavely — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:30:52 +0000

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, October 17th through Friday, October 23rd are highlighted here. Your band now has both a scary guitar, a snare drum and a really cool set of towers to play in, but will the Abstract Propeller and the Flummox Roller Coaster keep the repo men distracted long enough for you to move the Camaro and Sunbeam somewhere safe. You better hope that the Army truck is finished being lined-up on the jig so you’ve got some back up on the way…otherwise you may end up making friends with the smiley guy in the hearse.

The Top 10:

Scary stuff must have been on Shannon’s mind when he modeled ESP KH-2 Mummy using Google SketchUp. What is the sound made by all of us screaming virtually? [sandman14 is from the US]

Mind-boggling detail is Alfred’s specialty. His entire range of models makes you wish that you had the keys so that you could go off and make some real noise! MAN 5to milGL is no exception. Check out all of the tools and the engine and running gear. Phew! alfredix uses Pro/E for his modeling and then translates everything into STEP format for uploading to 3DVIA. [Alfred is from Germany]

No matter which way you look at it Abstract Propeller by epcinnova is gorgeous. The interplay of form, space and color make it a treat to explore! He uploaded in the 3DS format. [epcinnova is from Spain]

Outillage Assemblage De Support Habbilage is quite an impressive assembly jig modeled by by sgiosgio using CATIA V5. It would be exciting (and probably very loud) to see it in action!

2010 Camaro by tnewton76 isn’t completely done yet, but it strikes all the right chords in my motor brain. SolidWorks 2010Beta3 is his modeling tool.

VH by monsieurjeanclaudedus looks like a trio of observer decks connected in a novel way. It’s very sculptural and open! He uploaded it in 3DS format.

Marian keeps getting better and better with his designs and with using Google SketchUp. Sunbeam has excellent proportions and beautiful surfacing. Let’s go! Now, please! [Marian is from Romania]

Check out all of the detail in this Snare Stand model by Puss_in_boots, which he modeled using CATIA V5. It’s impressive – you could almost build one for yourself.

Halloween just got a lot scarier when toymaker uploaded Hearse 2009, which he modeled using Google SketchUp. Just like the excellent modeler that he is, he also gave full credit to Dr_Love for his horse model and Jotham for his skeleton model. [toymaker is from the US]

I think ntwiesen has a little more work to do before anyone loses their lunch on this Flummox Roller Coaster , but it looks like it will be worth the wait! ntwiesen used CATIA V5. [ntwiesen is from the US]

Honorable Mentions:

I don’t think anyone can zoom in and start exploring Guerra by odst without laughing and having some fun! This once again proves that using 3DVIA Shape can let your inner craziness out!

Pelicano by epcinnova illustrates the power of transparency to illustrate sub-systems within a much more complex environment. He uploaded it in 3DS format. [epcinnova is from Spain]

There is plenty of detail in Maison St. Ismier: Proposition 1 by yultreuse , from the furniture to topography, all done using 3DVIA Shape.

Apple by trigram_VMX is a simple subject which the textures really bring to life. 3DVIA Shape was his creative tool of choice. [trigram_VMX is from India]

I’m ready to visit perecat1 at his Vacation Home that he constructed with his imagination and 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

3DVIA Champion 15: Amalgam Vehicles – Ilovegoodcheese

jdelrio — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:40:57 +0000

I’ve come to the conclusion that our community members are waayyy too savvy to have a 3rd party voting system. I mean you guys can find your way around everything! And I mean that as a compliment. So as you all saw in our voting post, our savvy users, after “robust testing” found a way to make their votes count. Unfortunately this invalidated the veracity of the user voting section, so I had to recruit extra judges to get a good average opinion on our new Challenge Champion. Wow did we have a close race, for a while I was redoing my calculations multiple times because I couldn’t believe my eye’s! In the end, Emmy’s vote card pushed the winner ahead and our new Champion rose from a crowd of excellent challengers. Join us in congratulating Ilovegoodcheese in winning the 3DVIA Challenge!

Here is the Score Card!

And here’s the winning model!

-Juan

3DVIA People: Jon Hirschtick of SolidWorks

cmedling — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:30:20 +0000

I had the opportunity to sit down with Jon Hirschtick (founder of SolidWorks) to talk about SolidWorks, 3DVIA, and to pick up a few Blackjack tips from the expert. Most anyone in the 3D design and CAD industries know of Jon, if not for his great interest in innovations in Manufacturing design software, but for the stories that surround him from his days of being a student at MIT and playing Blackjack.

Jon talks here about how 3DVIA (Composer, Mobile, and 3DVIA.com) are great tools for engineers, particularly for SolidWorks designers.

In case you are interested, here is a link to an article with pictures of Jon and the cast from the movie “21″, based on the stories of the MIT Blackjack team.

For more details on how 3DVIA benefits SolidWorks, CATIA, or any 3D design tool, there’s more info in this short video.

Also, for SolidWorks users, here is a Blog Post by Matt West on publishing SolidWorks models to 3DVIA.com for use on 3DVIA Mobile.

Cliff’s Clips: The Best Way to Share Your 3D CAD Designs

cmedling — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:54:34 +0000

When designing a new product or concept, and need to show the concept to other members of our team (Marketing, Management, Graphic Design, Sales, Customers, etc.) we often have to deal with exporting many formats, both 3D and 2D images. However, downloading your 3D models to 3DVIA is a “one-stop shop”, as everyone on the team can access 3DVIA.com from almost anywhere. This includes those who are not 3D users.

Using a SolidWorks design, I show here how easy it is to upload a design that all team members can access.

Here is the Power Painter 3D Model I Published from SolidWorks in the video. I also need to give credit to the SolidWorks team for the design–nice work!

3DVIA Top 10 models – 050

dswavely — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:00:22 +0000

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, October 10th through Friday, October 16th are highlighted here. Can you possibly outrun the tornado in your Flow Concept roadster and get both prototype wheels to the Neptuno spaceport (right next to the church) without getting caught in the death trap mess or ending up lost in either of the time warp zones waiting for you before launch? By golly, you did it! Now go party and play some heavy riffs on your electric guitar and rest up for your next mission, you deserve it!

The Top 10:

Iglesia Santisima Trinidad – Apostles was modeled by kyolkuse using 3DVIA Shape and I like it because it is simple and well-textured.

Neptuno 2003 Transporter by epcinnova shows the great value of including exploded views of concepts so that folks involved in the project can more quickly understand what’s being proposed. epcinnova uploaded his model in 3DS format. [epcinnova is from Spain]

Every time I see this model my face lights up with pleasure. Lantern by trigram_VMP is just so appealing that I have to go explore it again. trigram_VMP used 3DVIA Shape. [trigram_VMP is from India]

One of the outrageous Orange County Choppers inspired DrSlumper to create his own version – The TRX Project Car Wheel Tooler 20″ using SolidWorks 2008. You can learn more at The TRX Project blog. [Dr_Slumper is from Spain]

An overturned truck, a multitude of police cars and even more flying cars fulfills the title Need for Speed – Death Match by XQH_XXX. Parth used 3DVIA Shape to bring this action to life. [XQH_XXX is from India]

rhalstead has been creating some killer sculptural models using Synthforge and then 3DVIA Printscreen. This one is titled Generative 3D Art and since Rodd mentioned that it looked better on a black background, that’s how I’m presenting it here. In the 3DVIA Player it appears with a white background. [Rodd is from the US]

I’m ready for a long fantastic ride in Flow Concept as designed and modeled by l5o2k1s and then uploaded in the 3DS format. [l5o2k1s is from Romania]

Check out all the plates and rivets that sandman14 added to make his ESP Ironjet Guitar so believable using Google SketchUp. [Shannon is from the US]

perecat1 has stretched his imagination once again in a new direction to create this colorful and action-packed Tornado using 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

You’ve just got to zoom in and view all the details in TRX front rim. It’s an amazingly well done model by flatform using SolidWorks 2009. Even the cast in production information is there in minute detail!

Honorable Mentions:

This beautiful and sensuously shaped Fiole (vial) was envisioned and modeled by jackRED and then uploaded in 3DS format. [jackRED is from Morocco]

Mech 2 by maxofp2p was built and nicely textured using Blender and it looks like he needs to head back to base for some repairs. [maxofp2p is from Poland]

Kid’s Room by XQH_XXX (using 3DVIA Shape) would make any young child happy! [Parth is from India]

These Aliens by namlek were created using CB Pro (thanks to Mick Kellman at SolidWorks for providing me with a link just a few minutes ago!) and they’re here because they just make me smile.

This nicely detailed hillside Edificio by tachcharts was uploaded in 3DS format. The model shown here has been updated and deleted, so I’ve put in the links to a later version.

3DVIA Challenge: Amalgam Vehicle Finalists

jdelrio — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:54:45 +0000

Welcome everyone to the Voting Round! The staff along with the community will select their favorite to win the coveted Challenge Champion Award! The voting procedure is detailed on the challenge post so lets get down to it. Let the Voting Begin!

At the end of the week, the judges will add their score to yours and on Monday we will have our Champion.

Good luck everybody; and remember to get your friends online to vote and to leave comments about the Vehicle finalists!

Car/Plane?Boat
Designed By
Amidal

Multi Environment Vehicle
Designed By
Alfredix

Vtol Car
Designed By
Toymaker

Amphibious Hover Jet
Designed By
ilovegoodcheese

Sphera
Designed By
Epcinnova

Mag Rider
Designed By
Perecat1

Pegagosh
Designed By
Mahendra48

Hover Foil
Designed By
Mahmoudgalal

You’ve seen them, now lets VOTE!

3DVIA Top 10 models – 049

dswavely — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:12:37 +0000

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, October 3rd through Friday, October 9th are highlighted here. So you need to make a call from your red-lined speed boat on Lake Geneva before hopping onto your classic TRX850 to meet Maxwell Smart and James Bond to thwart something bad from happening at the new stabilizer installation. No problem! This week’s Top 10 includes everything you’ll need to accomplish the mission and to relax afterward! Make that call!!

The Top 10:

Maxwell Smart’s Apartment was carefully crafted by PinkSkink using Google SketchUp. Check out the William Morris wallpaper mixed in with many more contemporary elements – including an image of Agent 86’s hero James Bond.

Structure Synth “flowers” was imagined and created by rhalstead using Structure Synth software and his own well-honed programming skills. Rodd used 3DVIA Printscreen from the 3DVIA Labs to capture his model for uploading. [Rodd is from the US]

Twisted Chairs by zenox is a beautiful update to a classic furniture type that would look right at home in a contemporary art museum as well. zenox used Blender to merge the old with the new. [zenox is from Serbia & Montenegro]

TRX Instrument Panel is an incredibly detailed model of a very complex part painstakingly created by flatform using SolidWorks 2009. Be sure to check out The TRX Project blog to stay up to to date on progress towards a complete Yamaha TRX850 3D model.

You can almost feel the spray in your face as you envision piloting Lancha at high speed over the waves. epcinnova used the 3DS format to upload this bullet of a boat. [epcinnova is from Spain]

This beautifully detailed G900 cell phone was created by mieown using SolidWorks 2009.

Leopard 2A6 is an excellent continuation of the quite complete line of tanks and other equipment based on the Leopard chassis by alfredix. Alfred uses Pro/E for the modeling and then translation into STEP format for uploading to 3DVIA. [Alfred is from Germany]

Walkthrough V3 – Creating Cap is another great 3DVIA Shape learning tool modeled by XQH_XXX to show step-by-step how he created his model. [Parth is from India]

I’d recommend that anyone modeling an interior space follow anloncar’s excellent example of using transparent walls to more fully illustrate the concept. Stan1 invites the viewer to explore the space more easily. anloncar uploaded the model in the 3DS format.

Stabilizer2 by smitsch was created for uploading using a VRML Generator and demonstrates the invaluable help that a detailed 3D model can provide to help everyone involved understand a project very early on in the process.

Honorable Mentions:

Indonesian Mask was created by Creaform by first scanning the real mask and then doing a great job with textures. [Creafrom is from Canada]

perecat1 was inspired by his recent vacation to create this Asturias model using 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

A Meeting House w/Bridge Now!!! by julian112897 depicts a working scene with lots of details added using 3DVIA Shape to tell his story. [julian112897 is from the Philippines]

XQH_XXX uses his “sparkle” effect to make Let the Music V6 – Hi-Fi Surround Speaker worthy of being on any stage. Parth used 3DVIA Shape. [Parth is from India]

This well-detailed and textured House was modeled by greenleafapps using Google SketchUp.

Cliff’s Clips: Putting 3DVIA Products to Good Use

cmedling — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:07:50 +0000

We put many of our products together (3dvia.com, 3DVIA Composer, 3DVIA Mobile) into one video to tell the story of how users can take advantage of all the new 3D technologies we offer.

In this video, I play the role of a Copier Salesman, Emmy is an Office Manager (the customer), and Garth plays the Product Manager. Garth and I work together to easily solve a problem using 3DVIA.

Oh, and Garth really is one of the hardest working guys in the office, not like the role he plays here.

I also wanted to give credit to the 3D models used in this video:

- The Audi Tt by jled

- ScubaGarths Copier: Before, and After

- And, a cameo appearance by Tex-Rex by IsaacMiller1993

Le Cube Finalists Presentation and Award Ceremony

jdelrio — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:16:25 +0000

For the 3rd concecutive year, the 3D3 International Competition is rewarding the best student projects using 3DVIA Virtools in the fields of Real Time 3D to applaud their techincal and artistic prowess.

This Saturday, October 17th is the Final project Presentation and Award ceremony in LeCube, Paris France. So if you are in the area be sure to pass by and check out the fantastic student presentations of this year and be on hand to congratulate all the participants!

The following categories will recieve awards this weekend:

Grand Prize
Special Award presented by 3DVIA Virtools for Technical Excellence
Special Award presented by Le Cube for Artistic Expression
Special Award presented by Arte.tv for Cultural Content
Best Gameplay Award
Best Graphics Award
Best Inovation Award
Best Screenplay Award
Best Sound Engineering Award

Organized by Le Cube, in partnership with Dassault Systems, 3D3 was introduced as the one major meeting place for students, schools and professionals creating Real Time 3D. Over 230 schools and training centers around the world are now using 3DVIA Virtools. The 3D3 Contest aims to discover and promote young creative talent and to initiate their relationships with industry professionals.

3DVIA Top 10 models – 048

dswavely — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:30:41 +0000

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, September 26th through Friday, October 2nd are highlighted here. Get ready to have your eyes snapped open at breakfast, learn how hydroplanes are moved, see some motorcycle bits, a gruesome pumpkin and lots more. Have fun checking them all out! In response to your excellent feedback about last week’s design changes there are more changes! Hopefully, I’m closer to what you enjoy, but feel free (please) to tell me what you think. :)

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 28 seconds and see all of the included models before you forget what you were trying to remember to do. :)

The Top 10:

The first cup of wake-me-up is scary enough already. Imagine if Tasse by Bachoul is what you saw on your table through your barely open eyes! It is wonderfully creative and was modeled in 3DS format.

The panel design is gorgeous on Minikit-J8 by jbebin. It is an excellent combination of current technology with the beauty of nature. Excellent job using a VRML generator.

M1 by jbb10 is quite simply a nice simple house modeled in 3DS format. I like the included detail and how believable it is.

This 48 Tilt Trailer by nissin is really cool. I love hydroplanes and really like seeing how they are moved from races to the shop and back. Some suspension, wheels and tires would probably make it a smoother ride. :) nissin used SolidWorks 2009.

This highly detailed Skull was modeled by conn250 in 3DS format. It seems like it would be quite useful as reference in many 3D applications involved in modeling humans and for the just plain curious folks amongst us.

Workstation was added by scubagarth, who used 3DVIA Composer to create it. Composer is among the 3D tools that allow 3D geometry created by the engineering department to be used much more easily throughout the rest of the company. [scubagarth is from the US]

Ornament was created by vtor67 using Blender and I really enjoy opening it in the 3DVIA Player, zooming in and getting lost inside of it! [vtor67 is from the US]

This beautiful Alfa was modeled by anloncar in 3DS format. Alfa Romeo has been recapturing the hearts of drivers all over the world with some of their recent gorgeous cars.

Just over a year ago toymaker joined 3DVIA and uploaded his first model here. That pair of pumpkins was included in the very first Top 10 too! toymaker created a new gruesome pumpkin called Anniversary to celebrate! toymaker uses Google SketchUp. [toymaker is from the US]

Underneath all the fancy bits of almost any product are lots of critical sub-assemblies like Fairing Bracket by DrSlumper. They are beautiful in their own right and are just as difficult to design as the sculptural parts that they firmly hold and precisely locate. Dr_Slumper used SolidWorks 2008. [Dr_Slumper is from Spain]

Honorable Mentions:

This Sofa by jbebin may not look great in your living room, but it is the perfect sofa for someone! jbebin used a VRML generator.

Water Splash by XQH_XXX was created using 3DVIA Shape. The combination of action, imported models, water modeling and great textures make it really enjoyable. [Parth is from India]

You can almost hear the big cat growl in Jaguar XK8 by Phong. I’m ready for a ride down a nice twisty road. Phong used Google SketchUp.

Surface Drive Propeller – 5 Blade was modeled by nissin using SolidWorks 2009. It captures the sculptural beauty of a highly function-driven manufactured product.

So You “Still” Think You Can 3Dance? by jackRED (in 3DS format) moves two of his dancers into a position that makes it look like they are in love rather than in a dancing class. :) And – yay!! they have hair!! [jackRED is from Morocco]

3DVIA Mobile Challenge Winner: Theneverstill

jdelrio — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:00:37 +0000

Rampage! Theneverstill’s 3DVIA Mobile challenge entry had an excellent dramatic setting and was an fast favorite among our judges. We’d like to thank everyone for participating in this challenge and helping us celebrate the launch of 3DVIA Mobile. Join us in congratulating Theneverstill, winner of the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge and lets not forget a brand new Amazon Kindle!

To view all the challenge entries click here.

3DVIA Top 10 models – 047

dswavely — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:00:49 +0000

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, September 19th through Friday, September 25th are highlighted here. You can go on a cruise, wear your new shoes, go dancing, buy a new car, meet new people, read stories and even take a taxi ride, so check out this weeks Top 10 in a brand new style! Comments are welcome on the new layout, both good and bad. Thanks to Juan Del Rio for his design and technical help and to Dan Ubilla for his “deep” technical help. But, as always, send the tomatoes my way if you don’t like it!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 34 seconds and see all the included models before you forget what you were doing. :)

The Top 10:

Model title:	Cruiseship
Modeler:	hugo
Software/format used:	CATIA V5
Country:	US
Notes:	I’m ready to weigh anchor and head for the relaxing tropics on this nicely detailed cruise ship!

Model title:	Leopard 2A4
Modeler:	alfredix
Software/format used:	Pro/E translated into STEP format
Country:	Germany
Notes:	Extravagantly detailed and technically accurate, as always.

Model title:	So You Think You Can Dance!
Modeler:	jackRED
Software/format used:	3DS
Country:	Morocco
Notes:	Well, can ya’? Personally, I need to have hair when I dance.

Model title:	Asxas
Modeler:	jacki1860
Software/format used:	3DS
Country:	-
Notes:	You don’t want to meet this bad boy either here on earth or anywhere else either. Nicely detailed.

Model title:	Peugeot 607
Modeler:	From the model by anonymous in the Google Warehouse: “Original model by Brandom Bowie, uploaded by ZXT, rims by mirza, modified by DJ MASDR. I essentially rendered it into a realistic looking image.”
Software/format used:	Google SketchUp
Country:	-
Notes:	Thank you Mr_Planet for pointing out that I made a big mistake including this model and attributing it to a 3DVIA user. As noted above, it was actually created by multiple Google SketchUp users. Please accept my apologies for not getting it right the first time.

Model title:	Escena Hora
Modeler:	maromero
Software/format used:	3DS
Country:	Venezuela
Notes:	What time is it? Time to meet someone new!

Model title:	Shoe
Modeler:	opuente
Software/format used:	CATIA V5
Country:	Spain
Notes:	Check out the mesh inserts on this excellent model of a new shoe concept. Well modeled throughout!

Model title:	Zvonospomena
Modeler:	DraevalAWSA
Software/format used:	OBJ
Country:	-
Notes:	Although the faceting is extreme, the cultural value and details make it an enjoyable model.

Model title:	Illusion
Modeler:	XQH_XXX
Software/format used:	3DVIA Shape
Country:	India
Notes:	If you get dizzy easily, be careful looking at this model too long!

Model title:	Love Dies Because of Ego
Modeler:	maheshak
Software/format used:	3DVIA Shape
Country:	India
Notes:	Using unexpected characters, maheshak tells a profound story.

Honorable Mentions:

Model title:	Green Dragon
Modeler:	kne_3dp
Software/format used:	3DVIA Shape
Country:	-
Notes:	What a great colorful, happy toy! Very nice!

Model title:	Multi-Brand Car Showroom
Modeler:	XQH_XXX
Software/format used:	3DVIA Shape
Country:	India
Notes:	Car shopping in the lap of luxury. If you can’t find what you want to drive in this showroom, maybe you should check your pulse.

Model title:	Goldrake
Modeler:	pierre77
Software/format used:	3DS
Country:	-
Notes:	Very nicely detailed and colored.

Model title:	Britannia Bridge
Modeler:	squarefountain
Software/format used:	Google SketchUp
Country:	-
Notes:	Great structural modeling and use of textures.

Model title:	Taximax
Modeler:	polpols
Software/format used:	3DS
Country:	-
Notes:	It’s the classic American Checker cab – still the best cab ride in the US!

Bernard Charlès Augmented Presentation from DSCC

cmedling — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:29:52 +0000

Here at DSCC 2009 (Dassault Systemes Customer Conference), the CEO, Bernard Charlès presented connecting the real and virtual worlds in this presentation using 3DVIA Mobile and 3DVIA Shape. You may recognize the “designer” in this video:

3D Model uploads on 3DVIA.com, are immediately seen on 3DVIA Mobile, for the iPhone. A great way to collaborate new ideas.

3DVIA Challenge 15: Amalgam Vehicle Design

jdelrio — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:09:46 +0000

Like all the Mad Scientists who came before, we obsess with the need to create something new, something the world has never seen before! This is the first of these design challenges, were we ask you to create an item that will meet certain requirements or needs.

For this challenge, we want to start with a vehicle. A vehicle that can fly, that can land and take off on solid ground and bodies of water, and can hover like a helicopter. There are many vehicle that can do 2 of these 3 things but not one that can do them all. Put your mind to work and design it!

Are you the next Champion?

View the Current Models Entered in this Challenge

REMEMBER THESE KEY DATES:

UPLOAD YOUR MODELS:

Thursday, October 8, 2009 through Sunday, October 25, 2009

VOTE:

Monday October 26, 2009 through Sunday October 31, 2009

WINNER ANNOUNCED:
Monday November 1, 2009

3DVIA USERS – HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CHALLENGE:

PLEASE NOTE: BECAUSE WE WILL BE AWARDING A PRIZE TO THE WINNER OF THIS CHALLENGE, THERE ARE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS THAT YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF AND AGREE TO BEFORE ENTERING THE CONTEST.

A summary of the terms and conditions is included here. Click the link below (or at the end of each section) to see the terms and conditions in full:

* For full details see the 3DVIA Challenge 15 – Amalgam Vehicle Design Terms and Conditions

1. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1b. You must be at least 18 years of age.

* For details see Section 1 of the 3DVIA Challenge 15 – Amalgam Vehicle Design Terms and Conditions

2. PARTICIPATION

2a. You must upload one “Amalgam Vehicle Design” model by Sunday October 25, 2009.
Starting on Thursday, October 6, 2009 through Sunday October 25, 2009, upload your best “Amalgam Vehicle Design” to 3DVIA. Only new to 3DVIA and original work will be considered, 1 submission per user, NO team entries.

2b. You must tag your 3D model with “3DVIAChallenge15″.
Tag your model with the keyword “3DVIAChallenge15″ – you must use this exact tag to enter (the tag is not case-sensitive). When you add this tag to your model, you will see a pop-up reminder that you must have read and agreed to the 3DVIA website Terms of Use AND the Terms and Conditions specific to this challenge.

* For details see Section 2 of the 3DVIA Challenge 15 – Amalgam Vehicle Design Terms and Conditions

3. LICENSE TO USE THE MODELS

* For details see Section 3 of the 3DVIA Challenge 15 – Amalgam Vehicle Design Terms and Conditions

4. WINNERS

4a. Each registered member of the 3DVIA community will be allowed one vote per contest.
3DVIA community voting will start on Monday October 26, 2009, and will continue through Sunday October 31, 2009.

4b. A jury made up of three 3DVIA representatives will judge each model from 1-10 (10 being the best score) based on the models artistic merit, technical merit and accuracy.

4c. The average value of the 3DVIA representatives’ score will be combined with the percentage of the 3DVIA community’s votes multiplied by 10 (i.e.; if a model receives 45% of the community votes, it would get a score of 4.5 added to the 3DVIA representatives’ average score).
If more than one model receives the same score, each model with the same score will be designated as a Winner and will receive the same prize.

4d. The winner will be announced on the 3DVIA.com web site on Monday November 1, 2009.

4e. Decisions of the 3DVIA representatives are final.

* For details see Section 4 of the 3DVIA Challenge 15 – Amalgam Vehicle Design Terms and Conditions

View the Current Models Entered in this Challenge

3DVIA Top 10 models – 046

dswavely — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:30:36 +0000

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, September 12th through Friday, September 18th are highlighted here. A super secret stealth plane, mini kitchen, electric guitar, concept car, a floating fresh apple juice bar, a bulldozer tank and a light bulb ready to shock himself! What else could you want? How about le Petit Prince, a Power Wagon, castle ruins, a Pacman maze and a chaotic monster too? And there’s even more, so take a look!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 33 seconds and see all the included models before you forget what you were doing. :)

The Top 10:

Shannon keeps coming up with special customs that help broaden our appreciation of guitars! Vito Bratta’s ESP Custom Guitar (Tobacco Burst) was modeled by sandman14 using Google SketchUp. [Shannon is from the US]

What a great concept – Fresh Apple Juice! abu_roadking’s fertile imagination and great skill using 3DVIA Shape makes this concept real indeed (and makes me thirsty too)! [Abu is from India]

Watch out for this Stealth Jet imagined and modeled by george1993 using 3DVIA Shape.

This Mini Kitchen was modeled by XQH_XXX using 3DVIA Shape and is based on the real thing, which is amazingly efficient. [Parth is from India]

Le Petit Prince by jackRED is a classic story for children that has been brought to life using 3D. [jackRED is from Morocco]

When you need a big job done in a hurry, you might as well call in the big stuff like the Pionierpanzer Dachs by alfredix. Alfred uses Pro/E to create his models and then translates them into STEP format for upload to 3DVIA. [Alfred is from Germany]

Bulby by XQH_XXX is in for a shock in this really funny story created by Parth using 3DVIA Shape. [Parth is from India]

Funky Dinamics Optimised by l5o2k1s is a great interpretation of the BMW Vision show car recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. [l5o2k1s is from Romania]

Textures once again prove their immense value in modeling in Moreton Corbet Castle Ruins by squarefountain. Using Google SketchUp, combined with a bit of actual topography imagery, squarefountain has created a very believable set of ruins to explore.

Power Wagon by toymaker makes me happy just looking at it. From the flame job to the nicely detailed drive train, it just begs to be taken for a ride! toymaker used Google SketchUp to create this classic. [toymaker is from the US]

Honorable Mentions:

Pacman Returns in 3D thanks to maheshak modeling it using 3DVIA Shape. [maheshak is from India]

XQH_XXX built this complicated Photo Shoot by using 3DVIA Shape to create the models that he didn’t have and then adding the rest from our continuously growing list of uploaded models. [Parth is from India]

Everyone has days like this - A Regular Day In Chaos City by zzz-zzz. Now we also have a 3D model built using 3DVIA Shape to help us try to laugh about them.

Woodford by aemh looks like a cozy home setting with a hot car to add some excitement. aemh put it together using 3DVIA Shape.

Sitar – String Instrument was carefully modeled by trigram_VMP using 3DVIA Shape. [trigram_VMP is from India]

The Doctor of 3D Models is ‘IN’

cmedling — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:04:37 +0000

I went to see Dr. Polycount, THE Doctor of 3D Models. I needed some expert advice on how to clean up my 3D models, to make them smaller, cleaner, and more efficient.

With advanced computing power, and internet speeds, we still need our 3D models is their top shape when used on the web and real-time environments (i.e. gaming). Dr. Polycount goes over five common problems with my models, and the cures.

3D modelers of all levels can benefit from Dr. Polycount’s advice in this video.

Don’t miss the cameo from Dizzy the Dragon created by Toymaker.

3DVIA Top 10 models – 045

dswavely — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:30:18 +0000

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, September 5th through Friday, September 11th are highlighted here. It is another good week with lots of variety from production tools and finished products to worthwhile stories and dreams too! Enjoy them all and use them for your own inspiration!

The Top 10:

May I Know the Time Please? by XQH_XXX may seem like a simple story, but it goes deeper the more you think about it. The water texture is really effective using 3DVIA Shape. [XQH_XXX is from India]

Bergepanzer 2A2 by alfredix is another example of using the Leopard chassis to fulfill another critical task. Alfred uses Pro/E for the models and STEP format translations for uploading to 3DVIA. [alfredix is from Germany]

Read the story The Piece of Bread!! by abu_roadking and you’ll learn something even as you appreciate his skill using 3DVIA Shape. [abu_roadking is from India]

Mr_Planet has created another stunner, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class and still using Google SketchUp. Beautiful model that captures the essence of the real thing.

Enjoy 3D Star Midday by meo1 from any angle and you’ll be seeing stars. And multiple stars in a way that seems impossible. A really nice model created using 3DVIA Shape.

MM1322 Duplex Stack by jamesm77 is an excellent example of one of the key attributes of 3D modeling: the ability to visualize and then create tight packaging for efficient manufacturing. jamesm77 used SolidWorks 2009.

Few people would have the imagination and skill to create a Bridge the way that perecat1 has using 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

202-074-EST Licovak Vrtule – Sestava Celkova by machacek is a great example of how sculptural production tools can be even as they serve the manufacturing process. machacek used SolidWorks 2009.

LM Axa by Marian was created using Google SketchUp and is a well thought out front-to-back design. Great job! [Marian is from Romania]

Bomb by Physicsguy is wonderfully detailed both in the carrier and the bomb itself. Google SketchUp is his tool of choice.

Honorable Mentions:

Check out all of the intriguing sculptural details in SOL_20090830 by tynnon. He used CATIA V5. [tynnon is from China]

Dream Monster 3 by ilovegoodcheese was created using Blender and makes me want to only meet with him during the day! [ilove good cheese is from the US]

Jeep Rubicon by guillen25 shows his increasing skills using 3DVIA Shape. He’s not the best modeler (yet), but he has the best possible attitude – learn, listen and keep trying no matter what! [guillen25 is from Mexico]

Who can resist having “Stump Jumper” tires? Tire by toymaker was created in great detail using Google SketchUp. [toymaker is from the US]

Baby T-Rex Dinosaur is the story of species continuation on a bit larger scale. XQH_XXX used 3DVIA Shape. [XQH_XXX is from India]

3DVIA Mobile Challenge Gallery

jdelrio — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:00:51 +0000

3DVIA Mobile Challenge Gallery Page

On this page we will collect all the entries emailed to the 3dvia@3ds.com address for the Mobile Challenge. If you uploaded your images to an external site like Flicr, Picasa or any number of others, post a link to the image in the comments of this blog and we’ll add them to the gallery.

Check them all out!

3DVIA Mobile Challenge

Emmy — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:00:51 +0000

To celebrate the 3DVIA Mobile launch, we’re running a special promotion for iPhone™ users. 3DVIA Mobile is an easy way to augment your iPhone photos with 3D characters and items. If you’re interested in participating, read on for a step-by-step guide and additional rules. Entries will be judged for the chance to win an Amazon Kindle™.

What is the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge?

This two-week promotional event challenges you to submit your funniest, most imaginative image compilations using our pal Tex-Rex. You have till Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009 to give us your best (multiple entries are allowed!).

Check out some example image compilations below to see what we mean.

View the Current Images Entered in this Challenge

The best entries will become infamous among our 124,000 strong 3D user community, while the very best will receive an Amazon Kindle.

How do I enter/participate?

Watch the following video to learn how to enter and participate, or read the step-by-step directions below.

Step 1: Download 3DVIA Mobile for FREE and create a 3DVIA.com account (log in if you already have one)
Step 2: Find the Tex-Rex model by typing “Rex” in the model search field
Step 3: Take a photo then scale, rotate and size Tex-Rex over it
Step 4: Save and e-mail your image to 3DVIA@3ds.com (NOTE: make sure to title your e-mail “3DVIA Mobile Challenge” AND to include your 3DVIA.com account username in the body of the e-mail). OR, upload your image to Flickr, Picasa, TwitPic, etc. and post a comment to this blog with a link to your image as a logged in user.

What are the rules?

We encourage as much creativity as possible, but we do have a few rules.

1. All entries must use the Tex-Rex model
2. All photos used as backgrounds must be taken with your iPhone
3. All entries must be submitted to 3DVIA@3ds.com with the subject line of “3DVIA Mobile Challenge” and include your 3DVIA.com account username in the body of the e-mail OR posted to Flickr, Picasa, TwitPic, etc. and linked to in comments posted to this blog by logged in users
4. Offensive or pornographic entries will be disqualified

How Will Images Be Judged?

All the entries will be judged by our “expert” panel of paleontologist staff. The winner and runners up will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009. We will contact the winner through his/her 3DVIA.com account, so please make sure to include this information in your entry.

Additional Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

* For full details see the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge Terms and Conditions

1. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1a. You must be a registered user of 3DVIA.com.
3DVIA accounts are free, sign up here.

1b. You must be at least 18 years of age.

* For details see Section 1 of the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge Terms and Conditions

2. PARTICIPATION

2a. You must submit at least one image model by Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009.
Starting on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2009 through Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, e-mail your best image(s) to 3DVIA@3ds.com. Only new to 3DVIA and original work will be considered, single or multiple submissions per user, NO team entries.

2b. If you e-mail your image, title your e-mail “3DVIA Mobile Challenge” AND include your username.
Title your e-mail “3DVIA Mobile Challenge” – you must use this exact title to enter (the title is not case-sensitive). Include your 3DVIA.com username in the body of the e-mail – you must include your username in your e-mail to enter.

2c. If you post your image to an external site, you must submit your entry as a comment to this blog.
Post your image to an external site and then post a link to your image as a comment on this blog. You must be logged into 3DVIA.com when you do this.

* For details see Section 2 of the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge Terms and Conditions

3. LICENSE TO USE THE IMAGES

3a. By uploading your image(s) to enter the contest you are granting DS and DS Subsidiaries certain rights regarding how your image(s) may be used to help promote 3DVIA in the marketplace.

* For details see Section 3 of the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge Terms and Conditions

4. WINNERS

4a. A jury made up of three 3DVIA representatives will judge each image from 1-10 (10 being the best score) based on the images’ creativity.

Creativity – Overal originality, interesting/funny/unique use of model and photo.

4c. The averaged value of the 3DVIA representatives’ score will determine the winner.

4d. The winner will be announced on the 3DVIA.com web site on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009.

4e. Decisions of the 3DVIA representatives are final.

* For details see Section 4 of the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge Terms and Conditions

Apple, the Apple logo, iPod, iPod touch, and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Apple is not a participant in or sponsor of this promotion. Amazon is not a participant in or sponsor of this promotion.

Introducing 3DVIA on Your iPhone! Try 3DVIA Mobile Free

cmedling — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:00:34 +0000

If you have an iPhone, you must download this App. If you don’t have an iPhone, you may want to pick up one, just for this App. Seriously, this is that cool!

We have developed our first iPhone app for 3DVIA, which allows you to view and inspect any public 3D model from the 3DVIA.com library. However, the best part is the collage function, which allows you to take a photo with your iPhone, then download any 3D model from 3DVIA.com, and add it into the picture, in true perspective. You can add 3D models of people into a picture of real people, you can add 3D models of furniture into rooms, you can add cars into your driveway. All this in the palm of you hand, wherever you are. The possibilities are endless.

This must see video shows some of the great uses for the app, both practical and fun. After the video, get a few tries to practice and join our special Launch Promotion Challenge!
If you have any comments or suggestions to improve 3DVIA Mobile or have questions visit our 3DVIA Mobile Forums

*Note: If you haven’t seen the movie Office Space, this video may seem a silly at the end. Here is a clip from the movie, which may clarify our spoof.

All the details on the new 3DVIA Mobile App, including where to download are here.

We have created a quick (1:30) video here…

3DVIA Top 10 models – 044

dswavely — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:00:41 +0000

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, August 29th through Friday, September 4th are highlighted here. We have quite an eclectic mix of model subjects this week. Everything from a concert hall to the Lovell Telescope at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics. And let’s not forget some odd characters, both real and imagined. Have fun checking them all out!

The Top 10:

Once again, shodiq38 shows his mastery of 3DVIA Shape by modeling the Leonardo da Vinci Helicopter. He has a fantastic understanding of the Shape’s modeling tools and makes great use of them! [shodiq38 is from Indonesia]

Brokebot by prolithic is funny and sad at the same time! The little details give it great character and make it seem almost “unbroke”. [prolithic is from Australia]

Take the time to really check out the details of this excellent Giant ATX750 bicycle by coffida. He uses CATIA V5 to model just about every possible detail of this complex vehicle that has everything hanging out and on display. Beautifully done!

Creepy is about the only word that fits this really well done model of Aliester Crowley, by krystalfoto. Crowley was a real individual and was indeed quite odd by most standards. [krystalfoto is from Norway]

sandman14 created The Black Diamond Guitar using Google SketchUp, but left it up to the 3DVIA users to name it for him. Parth came up with the name that Shannon picked. [Shannon is from the US]

Fitting right in with the 3DVIA fascination with squirrels, toymaker made Where Did That Squirrel Go using Google SketchUp. Yet another nutty model to add to our collection. [toymaker is from the US]

Let the Music Play V4 – Concert Begins by XQH_XXX is the culmination of much effort and many models created using 3DVIA Shape. He has been gradually creating and gathering all the elements to bring this concert to life! Be sure to comment on the model and I’ll bet that he’ll invite you too. [Parth is from India]

This 3D model version of the Hassan 2 Mosque in Casablanca was created by jackRED using 3DVIA Shape. The real mosque is an absolutely amazing piece of architecture. “It stands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic, which can be seen through a gigantic glass floor with room for 25,000 worshippers. A further 80,000 can be accommodated in the mosque’s adjoining grounds.” [JackRED is from Morocco]

sady2’s skills using 3DVIA Shape continue to improve and diversify as he demonstrates with his Nihal’s Sword. [sady2 is from Romania]

The Lovell Telescope is just part of the JodrellBankObservatory and is exquisitely modeled by squarefountain. His structural work is fantastic and the use of the terrain image helps his model feel even more real! squarefountain used Google SketchUp.

Honorable Mentions:

I never knew what one was until bobinos created a TN Trans Moffet Mounty using 3DVIA Shape. [bobinos is from Belgium]

Panzerschnellbruecke Biber by alfredix is another of his series of outstanding models based on the Leopard tank chassis. Alfred models using Pro/E and then translates them into STEP format for upload to 3DVIA. [Alfred is from Germany]

Those of you who are familiar with some of the “characters” here in the 3DVIA community will appreciate the notes that tomy left for those attending his truly epicurean Breakfast. The notes and the cooking were done using 3DVIA Shape. [tomy is from Canada]

Cadline Atrium by NickHarris looks like a great place to work or shop.

As the summer ends, take one more chance to visit a Hot Dog Stand courtesy of Junior117 and created using 3DVIA Shape.

3DVIA Featured Artist – Abdullah Shaikh (abu_roadking & trigram_QWQ)

dswavely — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:05:14 +0000

Story telling is one of the oldest known methods of communication between humans. Legends, lessons and just talking with each other is filled with stories that help us to understand our world. Whether the story is oral, written, drawn in 2D, viewed as a series of moving images, or shown as a 3D model – we all enjoy and learn from each method.

Abdullah Shaikh (Abu to his friends) has a naturally amazing ability to tell stories that cross all cultures and distances with his 3D models. As humans we understand and respond to his stories. That is why he is our Featured Artist!

As user name abu_roadking, Abu has been in the Top 10 thirteen times; – 027, – 028, – 029, – 030, – 032, – 033, – 034, – 037, – 038, – 039, – 040, – 041 and – 043. He also has nine Honorable Mention models to his credit; – 027, – 029, 2 in – 031, – 032, 2 in – 036, – 038 and – 042.

Before changing his user name, Abu went by trigram_QWQ and was also in Top 10 with five models; – 018, – 019, and 2 in – 021 and – 024, has another two Honorable Mentions to his credit; – 020 and – 023.

A good story takes time to tell, so settle back and enjoy the many thoughts that Abu has shared with us.

Introduction:

Hmmm… where do I start??? I’m a Mechanical Engineer by education/qualification, but professionally, have been involved with Software Industry for long time now, more specifically CAD. I’m presently working as a QA engineer on CATIA.

I was born and brought up in a small town Solapur. After passing out from graduation school, I worked in a government-run workshop maintaining the State transport buses. Then, I moved to ‘urban’ places hunting for better opportunities.

Got into a software giant, started working on mainframes, but it didn’t take long time for me to realize that I wanted to make a career in CAD. I requested for an assignment change and luckily got into Engineering Services of the same company. We basically made production/piping drawings of marine engines (the really big ones with 960mm bore x 2500mm stroke). It was a mix of 2D and 3D, majorly 2D though. After about 3-4 years moved into Testing/QA domain, my present job.

On personal front, I’m happily married since last 3 years and have been blessed with daughter last year, Saarah. Marriage and kids change your life completely (I’m sure you’d understand this). Helping my better half with daily chores, feeding baby occasionally, changing diapers/nappies (rarely) and that’s life these days. Weekends are rest and visiting family at home-town every now and then (4 hours journey by train). I can’t say I’m enjoying life but I’m not complaining either. All different phases of life, you have to go thru each one of them.

Before becoming a ‘family’ man??? Well… bikes, long distance rides, trekking, volley-ball apart from voracious reading, movies, plays… the list is almost endless… I’m very much into autos… cars, bikes, trucks, planes, ships… anything that’s mechanical and is mobile… not just riding my bike but tinkering with it when I have time and enough resources (read money). [Yeah… like the author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.]

When I was kid used to collect postal stamps, coins and currency bills. Took up reading in graduation school. Ayn Rand and Mario Puzo are my all time favourites. I read (or should it be used to read?) almost anything and everything. Fiction, non-fiction, science & technology, inspirational stuff (Paulo-Coelho-types NOT Dale-Carnegie-types), short stories, philosophy, religion, culture, biographies. I don’t claim I’ve read all these genres extensively but yes a few titles from all of them. Then of course you have Sidney Sheldon and Dan Brown :).

I also am very much into writing. I write short essays on variety of topics, editorials mainly for internal newsletters (both at my present employer and previous). Have been on editorial teams since graduation days. I was awarded 1st prize at University for an article written in “Literary Criticism” category on Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather”.

It was during working on the layouts of the newsletter issues that I got exposed to photography and photo-editing thru a good friend and deviantART.com. We used to work together on the layouts for each issue. I used to select the subject and content while he used to add effects in Photoshop. That got me interested in PS, but before I could start learning it I switched job. Let’s see if I get a chance to learn it in future.

I guess this is good enough for a ‘short’ introduction…

Q1: How did you first become interested in 3D modeling?
It was AutoCAD 2000! My first interaction with the world of CAD! Although it was just a part of our curriculum, a 40-50 marks internal exam.

But I took extra efforts of learning it by joining a private training institute. Gradually moving to learning CATIA by the time I started working. Then I was exposed to I-DEAS and the world of Marine Engines. The sheer size and level of complexity hits you so hard, that it’s difficult to explain.

I was always interested in geometry throughout my schooling. This liking grew with subjects engineering drawing and machine drawing at graduation. So, lines and curves always interested me. With the addition of 3rd dimension the world became more interesting :).

Q2: Does 3D modeling play a role in the work you do?

I do 3D modeling of mostly engineering products. It may sound pretty ‘techy’ but rest assured they are simple assemblies like valves most of the times.

And these models are generally used to make drawings. In the process, we test the software. The main purpose of modeling would be to simulate industrial usage. How would it happen in actual production environment? For this we use variety of data, constructed from scratch, created by other teams, or which is actually provided by customers themselves.

That’s the 3D modeling that I do for my ‘bread and butter’. Sometime back a contest was organized in our company. We had to create models using 3DVIA Shape. That’s how work and interests got intermingled.

Q3: What part of 3D modeling do you find most rewarding?

Coming from a background where I’ve worked mostly on engineering and production drawings, 3D is an answer to the 2D riddle when you are modeling from a reference drawing. The minute model is completed, it feels like you’ve cracked a million dollar question. And of course in context of 3DVIA, the comments and appreciations from the community are the most rewarding aspect of 3D modeling here.

When I read an interesting article or passage, I almost immediately want to give it a form in 3D. This is only possible with 3DVIA where I have access to n-number of models created and shared. So it starts building up into a 3D story…

Q4: How does story telling play a role in your 3D modeling?

Like I just said, whenever someone sends me a forward or I come across a short story I start giving shape to it (story) in 3D form using the models for 3DVIA. Many times if someone shares a model (usable in Shape), that itself triggers the idea of making a scene using the shared model. For example: the Harry Potter scene that I made using actraiser’s Araneus Angulatus or prolithic’s Drunkenclam and Evreyday Inn triggered an idea for On the way to Monument Valley.

Q5: What additional software do you use to create your 3D models/images?

At this point in time it’s just CATIA and 3DVIA Shape. Tried my hand at SketchUp, but didn’t quite like it :). For the images I use MS Paint and Office Picture Manager.

Q6: How much 3D modeling time do you have in a week?

That usually varies with the kind of work that’s on hand and at what stage the testing is being done. At any given point in time there would be a CATIA session running, but “is 3D modeling going on?” is a subjective matter.
To take a break from regular work and CATIA window, a 3DVIA window opens :).

Q7: What are your tips for staying focused on a large project?

Deadlines are important and equally important is the aim with which a task is taken up. So, the vision towards the end result helps you traverse the path. If you’re working in the dark without knowing the goal, you tend to lose direction. This is applicable to all tasks, large or small.

If you want me to comment on specifically a large CAD or 3D project, well, I’m not the person to make a qualified remark regarding such an endeavor. I don’t have that kind of exposure of handling a large project. I’m just a small brick in the bigger wall and I ensure it is at the place where it’s supposed to be, at the expected minute :).

Q8: Do you do 3D modeling at home on personal projects?

Nope, unfortunately I don’t have a PC at home. So whatever modeling I do is from office and is work-related. As I mentioned before, to take a break from regular work, I do modeling in 3DVIA. Or when some parallel activity is going on (like some batch processing where I can’t work on CATIA). Or at times I come to office early to play around with newer models in 3DVIA.

Q9: Do you have any thoughts on how 3D modeling can help young people as they learn about the world?

Children learning about world!!! And using 3D modeling!!! That’s a difficult one… but, yes I can certainly say that a few of the lessons of geometry can be very well demonstrated using simple 3D techniques. Ellipses and other curves can be better explained using 3D than leaving it for students’ imaginations.

Q10: Do you have any thoughts on the value of 3D modeling to help us all learn about the world?

I’ll restrict my opinions on this question to my experiences on 3DVIA. The reason for this being, unless and until you share your models with others, you cannot learn more (than what you already know). It is only when people see your creations and respond; you come to know the kind of emotions they generated with the viewers. The other side of story, if I may put it that way…

You also learn a lot by observing other people’s works. I can quote many instances. I remember learning more about Dracula thru one of sady’s comments. Many of smike’s models contain technical as well as historical information. There’s so much more to it than just the 3D models… in these cases 3D models trigger a ‘need to know more’ than what meets the eyes… you Google on the subject and read more…

The reverse way is also pretty interesting… when you start working on a model and drill down to extract more levels of detailing, you realize what seems simple at first look is in fact complex enough to make you think more. So starting from a 3D model you can explore the world outside as well as drill down deeper… a great learning experience…

Q11: Do you think 3D modeling is different in different parts of the world? How?

No. 3D modeling is the same everywhere. It’s a neutral language. I would like to quote Shakespeare on this one, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet;” just as thoughts, ideas and emotions aren’t dependent on language or culture, so is 3D modeling.

Q12: Just for fun, what is your favorite game? movie? comic book?

Favorite game would have to be NFS Porsche Unleashed. Basically I like racing games. Haven’t laid my hands on latest NFS releases (again since I don’t have a PC at home or a gaming console and playing games at workplace is simply out of question). Last one I played was NFS-HP2 the one which came after Porsche.

Movies… I enjoy watching good movies… picking a favorite one would be difficult… Sci-fi, action thrillers, comedy, romantic stuff, drama… haven’t been able to watch movies lately though…

When I was kid used to read Chacha Chowdhary and Champak. Comics appearing in newspapers are the staple diet now… Garfield is all-time favorite apart from Dilbert, Hagar and others.

With respect for the 3DVIA community, Abu has included some of the possible story-telling themes that he draws on for inspiration and that can be a guide for us as well:

- Exploring 3D…
- Shapes and Forms
- Stories, Fantasies and Dreams
- Complexities – Simplicities
- Love – War
- Elements, Monuments, History, Science and Technology
- Humor, Tears, Joy, Happiness, Sadness
- Games People Play, Games Playing People, People Playing Games
- Creators, Creations
- Immortals, Mortals
- All in all, “A Journey of A Lifetime”

Abu originally shared these themes as part of a comment on smike’s 3DVIA World Tour Bus – Halls of Fame on Wheels.

Thank you Abu for your thoughtful answers to our questions and for taking so much time to bring such excellent 3D stories to 3DVIA!

Quick links to previous Featured Artists:

14 Sizzling Snacks – Tommy Smith (tomy) – Michael White (toymaker) – Shannon Sands (sandman14) – Alfred Schallert (alfredix) – Corey Papadopoli – Mark Biasotti (mbiasotti) – Michael Petersen (smike) – Matthew Negrier (Balgin) – Benoit Caselli (Benoit-Caselli) – Matthiew Viets – Rob Rodriguez – Blake Metzler – Peter Anderson – Bryan Silva

Ten quick questions from 3DVIA.com

dswavely — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:23:18 +0000

It’s been awhile since we asked about you, how you use the site and what new things you’d like to see on 3DVIA.com.

How would you make 3DVIA.com better? Oops, that’s one extra question – don’t answer it here, just take the survey.

Ten quick questions and you’re done…