Streaming 3D data: Just like Netflix, but for Spare Parts Catalogs
In the movie industry it’s a nice extra, but for the industry it’s definitely a game changer: 3D data is crucial for the new metaverse world. And your spare parts catalog too will benefit from the multidimensional representation of machines and their components. Streaming 3D data ensures better data security and high performance for machine manufacturers.
Did you know that you’re already holding a valuable treasure trove of high-quality data? Your CAD systems store this data, which is absolutely essential for engineers and designers — but there are also multiple 3D data applications for your aftermarket business. The realistic 3D modeling of assemblies and components enables service staff, technicians, and customers to identify the right spare parts faster and more easily. This saves time and reduces errors when you’re ordering spare parts. However, as yet only a few machine and plant manufacturers are aware of these huge benefits. Many companies hesitate to use their CAD data outside their design department. They suspect that using 3D data in their spare parts catalog could lead to
- messy data formats,
- long loading times, and
- higher costs for catalog creation.
They may also worry about security issues and fear that switching from 2D to 3D is too expensive. However, the 3D streaming of design data has made these concerns a thing of the past.
What does 3D data streaming mean?
Streaming 3D data is a quick and secure way to display even complex 3D models without any time delays — for example, for visualizing components and wear parts in a 3D spare parts catalog.
The special feature here is the "Netflix effect": the data does not have to be downloaded and saved locally. Instead, catalog users simply stream high-quality images of the 3D models in their browser. The original CAD model remains on the manufacturer's server.
When a viewer watches a movie, it makes no difference whether it’s played on Blu-ray or streamed on the Internet. The same can be said for streaming 3D data. The high-speed images look like 3D models and can be used quickly and easily.
How does 3D streaming work
Streaming 3D data to the spare parts catalog takes place in the following three steps:
- The CAD data is converted into a 3D lightweight format either automatically or manually. This results in lean 3D data with limited information. Parameters that are not relevant for visualization are removed.
- When you’re editing, the 3D model can be modified in terms of its color and appearance. For example, it is possible to split assemblies into separate components and to arrange them in any desired position.
- When you’re publishing in the 3D catalog, images without any geometry information are automatically generated from the multidimensional data. The user does not see the original 3D files, and as a result the data is protected against re-engineering.
What are the benefits of 3D streaming for machine manufacturers
Multiple viewer perspectives and flexible interaction options regarding spare parts graphics bring more benefits for your customers and for you as well. The following overview summarizes the main arguments for streaming 3D data when you’re creating your catalog.
- Data security: Streaming keeps your 3D data on your servers and protects it from unauthorized access. This ensures the security of your sensitive design data and the protection of your intellectual property.
- Time savings for viewers: 3D data streaming is characterized by high performance and high speed. Even complex assemblies or entire systems are loaded within seconds and can be displayed and explored without any delay when you’re clicking or zooming.
- Less effort for catalog creators: With the right tools, it only takes a few minutes instead of several days to create a 3D catalog.
- Higher usability of 3D data: Streamed 3D models can be viewed online at any time, on any end device. Even offline catalogs can be created.
- More revenue: 3D data is the future of spare parts identification. It enables users to quickly find and order the right components. 3D streaming of spare parts data helps to ensure that 3D data can be easily integrated into spare parts catalogs so that as many users as possible can benefit from it. This is the best way for you to generate more revenue from your aftermarket business.
What is the best technology for streaming 3D data?
If you want to increase your aftermarket turnover and customer satisfaction with a 3D spare parts catalog, you need the right tools:
- a catalog creation software for the simple and automated creation of spare parts catalogs
- a 3D viewer for data streaming
The combination of Quanos SIS.one and the KISTERS 3DViewStation offers you all the technologies you need for 3D streaming. The 3D viewer supports more than 70 data formats from CAD systems such as Inventor, CATIA, SolidWorks, and NX.
A key feature: The system is MultiCAD-capable — data formats from different CAD systems can be mixed as required without the need for conversion.
You can use the 3D viewer online straight in your browser, without needing any specific knowledge or additional software, for discovering spare parts in all their dimensions.
Use the Netflix Effect for creating your spare parts catalog
Many machine and plant manufacturers are still hesitating to switch from 2D to 3D data. Take advantage of this opportunity to become one of the pioneers of streaming 3D data! You’ll be able to create 3D spare parts catalogs in no time at all and use multidimensional models consistently, efficiently, and securely.
Find out today how the online 3D viewer from KISTERS and Quanos SIS.one can simplify your 3D data utilization process. If you have specific questions, feel free to talk to our experts and find out more about the potential of using 3D streaming in your company.
