Almost all products are designed using 3D CAD programs today. However the data created is seldom utilized in technical writing, often for cost reasons. Another reason is the lack of technical knowledge about the technology with which the 3D illustrations are created. This article explains two ways of how 3D illustrations can be used in technical documentation, and gives an example each from medical technology and plant engineering.
Both ways are based on CAD data from design. However the way the data is processed further differs significantly depending on the budget and required quality of the target files. The paths have already been tested in practice in projects: Version A for high value device documentation of a medical device, the more cost effect version B for plant documentation.
Version A – 3D illustration
CAD data must be available in an exchange format such as STEP or IGES for this version. This raw data was processed by an experienced 3D technology graphics expert in several steps for the practical project for a medical device. The end result were photo realistic images in TIF format, which were used in the manual. The graphics expert could rotate all or individual objects as required, define the surfaces and control the brightness and contrast settings.
Depending on the effort that can be invested, ...
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