3D Simulation in Digital Product Development

Basics, Applications and Customised Solutions

3D simulation plays a central role in digital product development by using specialised software to create detailed, computer-aided models that represent products at various stages of development. This technology makes it possible to quickly visualise, interactively test and optimise concepts before physical prototypes are created. This saves time and costs and improves product quality.

Basics of 3D Simulation

3D simulation refers to the virtual replication of physical processes and products. It differs from 3D modelling, which only creates static 3D objects by simulating dynamic interactions and behaviours.

Application of 3D Simulation in Digital Product Development

The 3D simulation offers numerous advantages:

Error reduction: early detection of problems in the development process
Cost savings: less need for hardware prototypes
Time savings: faster iteration cycles and time to market

3D Simulation in Various Industries

Automotive Industry

The use of 3D simulations serves to optimise vehicle designs and improve vehicle safety. Car manufacturers use 3D simulations to test and improve the aerodynamics, structural strength and crash behaviour of their vehicles under various conditions. This enables them to increase the efficiency of development processes and improve safety for drivers.

Aerospace

In the aerospace industry, 3D simulations are used to optimise the designs of aircraft and spacecraft and to analyse complex flight conditions. In addition, 3D simulations are used in this industry to test the aerodynamics, thermal behaviour and material load of the designs under realistic scenarios. This enables the efficient development of safe and efficient aircraft.

Consumer Goods Industry

Designs and manufacturing methods are optimised by simulating different production processes and material uses. Consumer goods companies also use 3D simulations to test the ergonomics of products and ensure that they meet customer requirements.

Medical Technology

The 3D simulation of medical devices serves to improve patient safety. Among other things, these simulations help to analyse and adapt the functioning of implants and medical devices in different situations.

3D Simulation at invenio Virtual Technologies

We offer comprehensive 3D simulation solutions for digital prototypes, digital twins and in the industrial metaverse.

With VT-DMU, we can also develop customised and special solutions for 3D simulation. Our established applications provide you with ready-to-use software products that can be utilised immediately.

The special use cases include, among others:

Assembly simulation: Simulation of assembly steps or free movement of welding guns
Virtual service simulation: Improvement of maintenance and service planning
Geometric validation: validation of complex products or systems with a quality monitor
Movement clearances: Ensuring the accessibility of tools, e.g. for assembly and disassembly
Sound propagation: Analysing the propagation or distribution of sound
Fill level analysis: Simulation of the total volume, residual volume, fill level heights or the state of the liquid during movement

Major OEMs use our Quality Monitor in the early development phases for geometric validation in order to optimise components and reduce sources of error. Highly detailed simulations are created in order to identify potential problems and make adjustments at an early stage. This forms the starting point for crash simulations, chassis analyses, aerodynamic calculations, homologation and many other topics. The geometric consistency and monitoring of the virtual vehicle are fundamental.

In the aerospace industry, Quality Monitor is used to geometrically validate complex engines. Our solution enables precise checking and collision detection of up to 60,000 components and significantly reduces calculation times through the use of artificial intelligence. With Quality-Monitor, the number of potential collisions has been reduced from 875,000 to 340,000 pairings, resulting in a time saving of around 40%.

In addition to Quality-Monitor, we also offer other solutions for 3D simulation: For example, the automatic removal and installation simulation in Connect can be used to determine the optimum movement path of a component or component circumference. Our NX add-ons offer all Mercedes-Benz Group AG suppliers numerous other features, such as strip or difference analyses and various forms of envelope generation.

Challenges and Future Prospects

The technical challenges of 3D simulation include the need for powerful hardware and complex software solutions. Future trends show growing potential for use in new sectors and applications, such as personalised medicine and smart manufacturing.

Would You Like to Find out More about the 3D Simulation?

Michael Pretschuh will show you our solutions in dialogue and address your needs.

Personal contact person
live or via video call
clarify all your questions directly

Book an appointment