Joakim wants to begin this article on the right note, ensuring that every reader understands what Fibbl does.
Do you remember the first T-Ford? Probably not, the first one was produced 1908. Anyway, Henry Ford didn’t invent the car. He invented a new method of producing cars more efficiently with a moving assembly-line system. This industrialization made it possible to mass-produce cars in a very cost-effective way. Our 3D production operates on a similar principle, designed for large-scale production and cost-effectiveness, making our 3D technology affordable for all brands, says Joakim.
There is no one-stop-shop solution
There are different techniques you can use to create a 3D model, such as NeRFs, manual modeling, and photogrammetry, among others. As humans, we tend to search for a one-stop-shop solution, but according to Joakim, that quest is in vain.
Many search for a holy grail in producing 3D models, but it simply doesn’t exist. Instead, it’s about selecting the right tools for each specific issue within your 3D production pipeline. Just as you wouldn’t use a screwdriver to saw through wood, choosing a supplier involves considering your objectives, required quality, and which production technique aligns best with your goals, says Joakim and fires his best advice to help you gain insights in your efforts to succeed with 3D for your brand.
Advice 1: Different suppliers, different production processes
When you’re choosing a supplier, consider what production type that suits your products. If you’re working with hard surfaced machined objects such as furniture, electronics and jewelry, manual 3D modeling is a good fit. If you work with organic material such as shoes, hats, bags and clothes, photogrammetry is preferable since you need high quality to make the 3D model look good, and photogrammetry excels in capturing organic materials better than any other technique.
Downside with photogrammetry is that it’s very hard to master. Especially on large scale.
Downside with manual 3D modeling is that it’s expensive and not scalable.
Advice 2: Cost-to-quality ratio
How much are you willing to invest? To seek your answer, think of 3D production as a broad spectrum with premium one-off production of 3D models on one side, and mass-produced 3D models on the other.
Premium one-offs are tailored, exclusive, and highly specialized. These models are custom-crafted for specific, high-end projects. Their accessibility is limited due to their bespoke nature, targeted primarily towards large brands or events with substantial budgets. Their cost is notably higher, reflecting the time and resources invested in creating top-tier, one-of-a-kind 3D models. However, these models are not scalable for e-commerce implementations that necessitate a large quantity, such as deploying 20,000 different models across an equal number of PDPs.
Mass-produced 3D models offer broad accessibility, affordability, and versatility. These models are designed for widespread use and are available in larger quantities, such as the above example of 20,000 3D models for e-commerce. This accessibility enables smaller businesses and brands to benefit from implementing 3D technology.
To sum it up. Premium one-off 3D models cater to niche, high-budget marketing strategies, while mass-produced 3D models focus on democratizing access to enhanced visualization in e-commerce, fostering broader consumer engagement. Joakim Tennfors, Head of Production.
It’s clear that the choice between the two depends largely on your objectives, budget constraints, and target audience of your brand and business. Curious to learn more? Schedule a demo to discover how we mass-produce shoes for fashion and sports and the benefits of integrating 3D into your e-commerce.