Visualising a machine with AR in 7 steps
28 March 2024
Visualising a machine with AR in 7 steps
Suppose you could not only convert a machine into 3D, but also visualise it in reality. This is not an unrealistic and expensive solution, but a possibility within reach. In this blog, you will read more about the 7 steps needed to create a unique AR solution.
Step 1: Digitise the machine in 3D
Before you can visualise your machine with Augmented Reality, it must first be converted to a 3D model. There are several ways to do this, depending on the complexity of the machine and your expertise. If you already have a CAD model, you have a head start. If not, there are plenty of software programmes available to help you model your machine in 3D. Examples include Solidworks, AutoCAD, Creo and other 3D modelling software used in industry to create 3D objects.
Step 2: Choose the right AR platform
Once you have a 3D CAD model, you can start looking for AR platform providers. Make sure your machine is suitable for the chosen platform. Do you want to independently add notes, videos and images or create tutorials around a 3D object of a machine? Then it is important to look for a platform with an online editor to enter instructions.
Step 3: Integrate the 3D CAD model with the platform
You have the choice of finding a platform where you can develop the solution yourself – or opt for a solution from a company that does it for you. Choose a platform that allows you to easily build interactive and engaging AR apps, even if there is no deep programming knowledge within the company. Total Reality clients use the ILC platform. They provide a STEP file / 3D CAD model, we make sure the model becomes available within the platform.
Step 4: Ensure interactivity
One of the unique aspects of AR is the degree of interaction with virtual objects. Add interactive elements to your 3D CAD model, such as resizing, rotating the object or adding bulleted instructions. By doing so, you create a unique experience for the user. By adding interactive elements to the AR solution, you achieve many benefits. Think of efficient onboarding, increasing safety or improving the assembly process.
Step 5: Testing and refining
Before sharing your AR app internally, extensive testing is crucial. Make sure your 3D CAD model displays well in different environments and on different devices. Set up a project group with employees to increase commitment to the solution. Collect feedback from project group members and use it to fix bugs and improve the overall experience.
Step 6: Publish the solution to the whole organisation
After successful testing, it is time to make the AR app available to the company’s employees. Ensure engagement within the organisation and increase support for the solution.
Visualise your machine independently in AR with the ILC platform
Combining 3D modelling with AR technology opens the door to endless possibilities for innovation and engagement. Business processes are optimised and employee satisfaction increases. The ILC platform is a solution that can be applied across the entire industrial life cycle (ILC). From design and assembly, through marketing and sales to maintenance and support. The platform adds value at different stages of the Industrial Life Cycle. The online editor makes it possible to add information to a 3D CAD/CAM model. The information is then visualised with augmented or mixed reality.
Kaak about our platform
Kaak started testing the ILC platform as a launching customer last year. With results! Not only do assembly processes run more efficiently, employees also embrace the new way of working and more can be done remotely. Read in the interview what Manager R&D Frank Verouden thinks are the 10 biggest advantages of the ILC platform.
Test the ILC-platform
Want to test our platform? Get to know the possibilities of Augmented Reality. During the test phase, you can independently add AR instructions to your own 3D CAD model. That way, you will immediately discover what effect it has on your business processes. Prefer a demo of the platform first? No problem, we are happy to answer all your questions.