美麗的組成和精緻的詳細資料量的混合物並不是你通常會與散熱器和換熱器的硬表面機械設計相關聯。然而，這正是會想到什麼時看到發達國家的理想 Stelrad
集團有限公司 (IGS)
的產品視覺效果。公司集團的製造已建立了他們作為其中一個最受人尊敬的名稱在集中供熱中整個歐洲的傳統和設計器散熱器的不同風格。他們已經提升自己的產品線的帶有使用的
KeyShot 交出一切從設計概念到行銷圖像和互動式動畫的演示文稿。我們談論與乾涸 Vervoort、 機械設計師和開發人員 NV
Henrad，在那裡他開始和如何 KeyShot 保存他們的時間和金錢。
Dries Vervoort / Ideal Stelrad Group
Ltd.
Modeling software used: SolidWorks
British-based
Ideal Stelrad Group Ltd. (ISG) is the parent company of Henrad
and Stelrad, the two brands of the radiator business branch. The group has
multiple production facilities throughout Europe and is market leader in several
countries. The R&D site for the radiator activities of the group is based in
Herentals, Belgium. We manufacture and distribute radiators for central heating
systems.
Dries graduated with a Master’s degree in Product Development from
Artesis University College of
Antwerp in 2010. It was there, in 2006, where he was introduced to the world of
3D CAD, starting with Rhinoceros 3D then on to doing the majority of his
modeling using SolidWorks. Soon after his
‘baptism by fire’ in 3D
modeling, he became interested in rendering. “There’s something magical about
turning flat, shaded, dull CAD data into physically accurate images.” Dries
says, “Working at ISG’s R&D department in Belgium as a product designer was
the first job I landed after graduation. I’ve been designing radiators and
documentation ever since.”
The R&D office uses SolidWorks as their main 3D CAD modeling tool and has
been for over 10 years. They have a strong focus on testing, with both the
efficiency and heat output of each radiator being very important measurements in
evaluating the performance. Dries explains, “Simply put, radiators are heat
exchangers. They transfer the thermal energy from heated water (by condensing
boiler, heat pump or solar thermal collector) into room air, in order to get a
comfortable room temperature. On a physical level, this transfer of energy is a
rather complex interplay of conduction, convection and radiation. This proves
incredibly hard to simulate through CAE and CFD software. We still rely heavily
on standardized testing in our calibrated test room to see how our developments
perform in the real world. One very important tool in our testing arsenal is a
high-end, infrared camera. Basically, our design process is a continuous cycle
of going back and forth between virtual prototype, drawing and test
room.”
One of the most remarkable outcomes of this process has been their ECO range of
radiators, launched in 2010. Through rigorous testing, they achieved a radiator
that has many benefits for installers and end-users. Using a serial flow
configuration, water enters the front panel, heating it up faster. This leads to
a higher level of front radiation and thus a higher level of comfort for the
user. Another benefit is lower heat levels on the back panel compared to
traditional radiators, causing less heat loss through the walls and ultimately
saving you money. Developing each aspect of this technology and its associated
components requires iterative testing, measurements and of course, visualization
of the end product.
KeyShot has definitely given us the flexibility that we were looking for…
Now, when the sales guys ask for an image, we can give it to them within as
little as an hour.”
Prior to using KeyShot, ISG development and marketing had
no 3D visualization tool, relying on external agencies 100% for anything that
had to look better than a SolidWorks screenshot. While those agencies produce
excellent images, the lead times were often a deal breaker. Hence, the need for
a 3D rendering solution that could be used by both development and marketing
that would allow much greater flexibility in producing and distributing product
shots. However, many in marketing had never used CAD or 3D rendering software
before. KeyShot meets the criteria for both. “KeyShot has definitely given us
the flexibility that we were looking for.” Dries shares, “We already had all our
radiators modeled as fully-configured SolidWorks assemblies. We were able to use
KeyShot right away, as the compatibility with SolidWorks (and STEP data) is
quite excellent. Now, when the sales guys ask for an image, we can give it to
them within as little as an hour. It speaks to the quality of the KeyShot
interface that product developers and marketing personnel alike can use KeyShot
to create captivating images.”
KeyShot has also aided in explaining the operating principles and internal flow
of the ECO radiator to customers. “The overviews that we had were composed of
SolidWorks screeshots, showing a simplified version of the radiator. This
representation was hard to grasp for anyone not familiar with the design or
involved during its development. In the fall of 2012, the R&D team decided
to give these illustrations a major overhaul. I grabbed a complete ECO radiator
assembly from our SolidWorks vault as a starting point. After I had drawn out on
paper the views I wanted, I started modeling section cuts and arrows to indicate
water flow. After the modeling was done, the sectioned views with arrows were
imported into KeyShot. In just one working day, I had all eight scene files
prepared. Rendering them out at 1080p was just a matter of feeding them to the
render queue and letting my machine rip through it during the night. The
workflow in KeyShot was a breeze.”
“The results were fantastic. Now everyone, no matter what their technical
background, can understand how our radiator works. I am also in the beginning
stages of rendering animated instructions for our products. The group plans to
greatly expand this activity in 2013, as well as using more animations in
general–the tests I’ve done so far look very promising indeed.”
When asking Dries about his motivation and what advice he would pass along to
others, he had this to say. “Dare to leave your comfort zone or direct field of
work from time to time. Sometimes great ideas to visualize your product can come
from very unexpected places.” Dries has made it a habit to create renderings
that have nothing to do with radiators or even industrial design, providing the
suggestion that one’s KeyShot skill can advance much quicker with insight from
others on the
KeyShot forums.
“It’s often said that KeyShot is an easy-to-use tool that gets you good
renderings with little effort. This is certainly very true. However, it still
takes mastery, passion and love to get Great results (yes, the kind of great
that is spelled with a capital ‘G’)! I like to compare KeyShot with a pencil.
They’re both easy to learn how to use, both have a clear interface, both are
fast… Both require much practice to become a true artist! I’m not saying that
I’m up there yet with the great KeyShot masters, but at least with every passing
rendering I’m getting closer.”
