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Types of 3D Rendering

The art of 3D rendering involves more than just creating images; it’s about selecting the correct technique to bring a digital model to life in the most effective way possible.

From architecture and entertainment to product design and virtual reality, 3D rendering has become a vital tool in these industries, bringing creative ideas to life. As technology has advanced, the methods of creating these visual representations have evolved along with it, offering a range of techniques tailored to various industries and artistic needs.

This article will take a look at exactly what 3D rendering is, whilst exploring the different types and techniques.

What is 3D rendering?

3D rendering may initially sound complex, but it’s essentially creating a 2D image or animation of a 3D model using specialised computer software. The process includes taking the 3D model and applying shading, lighting, textures and other effects to create photorealistic images and animations. You most likely have seen the final product of 3D rendering in animated movies and video games! 

The different types of 3D rendering

The art of 3D rendering involves more than just creating images; it’s about selecting the correct technique to bring a digital model to life in the most effective way possible. There are a few different types of 3D rendering:

Architectural rendering

Architectural renderings are becoming increasingly popular among real estate agents, interior designers, and property developers. They are the process of creating a realistic 3D image of a future building or space. These images are made using specialised software and are used to show the functional aspects of a design before it’s built. 

This type of 3D rendering is crucial in architecture, real estate and construction as it allows all parties involved to visualise and assess a project in a detailed manner.

Cinemagraphs

Cinemagraphs blend still images with animated visual effects. Most of the images remain still, like a photo, while a portion of the scene includes subtle but continuous movement, creating a looped animation.

For example, the designer or artist can add movement to grass, trees, and clouds around a house while the house remains still. This combination results in a mesmerising visual that draws viewers to the dynamic elements without distracting them from the design.

Product rendering

This is where designers create a 3D interpretation of a product. The product could be anything, from furniture to construction equipment to consumer goods, and it is also used heavily for marketing purposes. Ultimately, it’s a cheap way to explore the concept of a new product without having to make it immediately.

Medical rendering

This type of 3D rendering creates detailed and accurate 3D models of anatomical structures, medical devices, and pharmaceutical products, which are used for medical research, training, and education. This technique enhances understanding and communication in the medical field by providing clear, precise, visually appealing images. 

For example, medical rendering can be helpful in the facial prosthesis process by providing an accurate and detailed 3D visual of a patient’s facial anatomy. This allows the medical professional to plan and customise prosthetic devices to ensure a perfect fit and natural appearance, enhancing patient outcomes. 

3D rendering techniques

The techniques used in 3D rendering vary widely, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages.

Ray tracing

Ray tracing stimulates the way light interacts with objects. It traces the path of light rays as they travel through a scene. This technique produces highly realistic images with accurate lighting and shadows.

Scanline

Scanline rendering is a technique that converts 3D models into 2D images by processing one horizontal line of pixels at a time. It determines which surfaces are visible and how they should be shaded line by line, making it faster than more complex methods like ray tracing.

Radiosity

Radiosity considers light interactions from direct light sources and surfaces within the scene that reflect light. This algorithm calculates light emission so that light rays scatter across rendered objects, resulting in soft, realistic lighting.

Shading and lighting

Shading and lighting bring depth, realism, and mood to a scene. Shading calculates the colour and brightness of surfaces based on light interaction and surface properties, using flat shading for a faceted look or smooth shading for gradual colour transitions.

Lighting involves simulating light sources to create realistic illumination, shadows, and highlights, enhancing the visuals and realism of the scene. Together, shading and lighting work to create the life-like volume of an object.

Rasterisation

This technique converts 3D models into raster images. This process involves determining each pixel’s colour, depth, and texture based on the model’s surfaces and the lighting in the scene. It’s commonly used in video games because it’s fast and can handle complex scenes efficiently.

Hybrid rendering

Hybrid rendering combines multiple rendering techniques. Hybrid rendering leverages the strengths of each approach by integrating methods such as rasterisation for fast, real-time rendering with ray tracing for realistic lighting and shadows. This allows for efficient rendering of complex scenes with enhanced realism. 

Born Digital’s 3D modelling and rendering services

Choosing Born Digital for your 3D rendering needs means accessing cutting-edge technology to achieve unmatched visual quality and accuracy. By leveraging advanced 3D rendering technology, we bring every detail of your design to life with exceptional clarity.

Contact us today to learn more about our 3D rendering services and how we can help you with your 3D rendering designs.

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