Hey folks,
I am in a bit of a bind and desperate for constructive feedback and your thoughts on my idea (is it shit, or possibly interesting? =)) We have started to develop some software which has the premise of uploading a 3D model in virtual reality and “living it” before your 3D print it. As such you would essentially have the possibility to do a sort of design review prior to going through the motions of printing it out. We already have an app / prototype and have begun to test our theory but in retrospect, I wish we had asked the following questions upfront before even beginning development:
Would 3D printing enthusiasts be interested in software to help their “design review” process? What would be important to consider in the review process?
Would a virtual reality experience whereby one could “live” their design be of any value to an designer?
What kind of features in such a virtual design platform would be most helpful to aid the design review process and reduce design errors up-front
Here is a copy of our free iPhone app (its only a test for the moment in its very early initial stage): https://itunes.apple.com/ch/app/theconstruct-freelancer/id1014130969?l=en&mt=8 Additionally, a short youtube video which should give you an indication of what we are doing directionally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2US3aJHGx3Q&feature=em-upload_owner
I would really like to hear what you have to say so please let us know what you are thinking and we’ll build it that way. You can contact me at hans@theconstruct.co if you like as well.
Thanks a bunch in advance!!
Cheers, Hans
This is already available in all 3d modeling software and most slicers.
Not only is it available in most 3D modeling software and most slicers, this is not something that should ever need to be bundled separately. It looks like this software just adds a “showroom”, but…I mean…why? What’s the purpose? And iPhone? REALLY?! The iPhone doesn’t even have a proper filesystem that you can use to select and upload files. Why in hell would you make that dumb move? Additionally, there is such a small niche intersection of people that are doing 3D printing, and people who are using their smartphone for VR purposes. It’s SUCH a small segment of the market. Without the broad scope, or an absurd price, there’s no way this app could function on its own without a whole ecosystem of paid apps, etc. It would lose more money in development time than it ever brought in. You need a broader scope.
You want a product? Make an STL browser that shows them as thumbnails!
I have a ton of STLs that have terrible file names. Figuring out what each is, or finding a particular one, means opening each in a slicer or Netfabb.
@Carlton_Dodd There are a few apps that allow for that already, Netfabb basic comes to mind. If you install the app and make it open STLs by default, it’ll show thumbnails in windows explorer
@Alex_Lee
Theoretically. In practice, I just get Netfabb icons.
@Carlton_Dodd try the preview pane for Netfabb, there are other apps out there that allow for actual thumbnails to display.
@Alex_Lee
I have never seen a preview pane in Netfabb. I know I can generate thumbnails with Netfabb, but that takes quite a bit of effort, and then I’m just looking at pics, not STLs. Not to mention doubling the number of files and having to mentally associate an image with an STL by carefully comparing the names of the files.
I want a browser that will show me what the STLs look like without having to open each one, and without generating image files.
@Carlton_Dodd works for me
You can even rotate the preview in the preview pane under windows explorer
OK Guys I don’t think you really understood what the intention of this software is .
First of all the link that Hans is posting is showing a DEMO – as per definition a demo is not showing a lot of features.
The intention here is just to show you what could be possible in the future … hoping that maybe you could add some constructive critics instead locking yourself with existing tools not trying to see the future
Yes there is plenty of different tools allowing you to have a cool photorealistic rendering of your model but this is not the same as Virtual Reality .
Maybe I will show you what the difference is between Virtual Reality and photorealistic rendering
How to create cool rendering :
Quick video showing how can you check your CAD Design of a car before you start manufacturing process :
@ThantiK– do you see the difference or you need more explaination with some easy to understand graphics buddy ? 
I work as Solution Architect for one of the top3 high end CAD companies and I haven’t seen till now a Design tool that shows your model in Virtual Reality .
If you know a tool like this please let me know !!! I would be more then happy to try it out
Yes there is plenty of expensive tools used by big engineering companies but the cost of it today extremly high which I see as a great opportunity for tools like Oculus and for small things even an app on your phone could work
Maybe have a look at few videos on youtube and see how the big boys are starting to use 3D Caves virtual reality solution for Design Review , Quality control or other topics
Of course what Hans is showing is faar away from what BMW is doing but bear in mind that the solution used by BMW cost is „slightly different "
@Thantik so loading a file to an app on Android or iPhone is only possible from the file system ? you seem like expert in mobile apps
@Thomas_Cox Hey Thomas, thanks for your note. You are most certainly right - most slicers allow you to look at rotate and to some degree manipulate your design in 3D. VR goes beyond that and IMO the hype train surrounding VR at the moment is only going to gain more traction now that the hardware is commercially viable (and so much better than ever before). What I take away from your comments is that a) either 3D designers may not care to see their models in VR or that the 3D modeling software is good enough for just about anything you want to do now (perfectly valid point) or b) they may not be aware of the technological advances available on the market in the near future. In any case, really appreciate your thoughts! thanks!!
@ThantiK Hey ThantiK, appreciate your comments. I am going to make it my personal mission to try to sway your mind however futile my attempt may be =) On the iPhone bit - ok you got me, here is android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.theconstruct.freelancer
Our idea was conceived originally from an engineering standpoint where design review (for complex models) is a huge huge part of the manufacturing process. The more “real” a review experience is in this context, the better. Most of the larger corporations are headed in this direction in any case and have invested millions in 3D caves to virtualize their experience. What we thought is why not float something smaller out in the mean time for simpler models. I don’t know if you have tried VR lately, but there has been a seismic shift in the possibilities and hardware in that area. The VR hype train is for real this time and I am betting that we will see exponential growth in this area (with commercial applications as well). The market is agreeing with me on this point. Whether or not you need it now for your purposes - valid point and you certainly have made your POV clear.
@Piotr_Juchnowicz @Hans_Heidenreich I think you have not looked clearly at the current state of play in 3D printing, while there are one or two 3D printable complex models appearing, the majority of models are simple and do not require the marketing hype “living it” in a Virtual Reality environment, if the model has to fit engineering tolerances the modeller would be using the CAD program features to confirm that, then a print of the object will show any flaws, its not like you are mass producing something and having tooling prepared based on CAD designs that may not quite fit.
For me, your approach here seems to be ram a technology into an area without first determining if there is actually a benefit.
I think a better approach would be to look at using your VR software as an add-in for the various CAD softwares, then you have a stronger market and those that are designing complex models that would benefit from “living it” could do it directly in the CAD software.
My two cents.
@Piotr_Juchnowicz1 @Hans_Heidenreich You guys were asking for feedback, you got it, and then you proceed to criticize the people giving you feedback?
Here’s some feedback from me then:
-
learn to be professional. No matter how good your product is, this kinda attitude you displayed will get you nowhere, specially within the maker communities.
-
do your market research. You are just assuming that your program MUST be useful for hobbyists, which is the overwhelming majority of the members of this group. Your idea would be at best an expensive novelty for us.
-
grow up. (see first item).
Okay, @Alex_Lee said that a little better/nicer than I would have.
Hey Alex, I don’t think I was in any way rude in any of my posts - I’m appreciative of any feedback and I am taking what you guys are saying to heart and am seriously appreciative of your points.
I’ll admit one particular comment (and the tone of it) stung a bit but in any case, all good.
@Hans_Heidenreich
Rule of thumb: “Rude” is decided by those who hear/read what is said; not by those saying it.
Fair enough Carlton, I apologize for coming off in an unappreciative manner. That certainly wasn’t my intention. Thanks to all for your feedback!!
I think augmented reality would be better. Maybe an app that uses the camera of a device.
tl;dr