The concept art for the German pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai is an example in the use of 3D software, such as Autodesk, for designing architecturally complex structures and creative landscapes. [Photo / China Daily]

Filmmakers to machinery manufacturers increase use of CGI technology

BEIJING - Maybe you've never heard of Maya or Autodesk, but you've probably seen the most popular movie of 2009, Avatar, or visited the German pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai. Behind the scenes, three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics is the invisible hero responsible for the finished product. Nowadays, every facet of our lives is affected by it, from how we work to how we live and play.

Looking around, from buildings and bridges to machines and movies, there are few aspects of the world requiring design that have not been touched by 3D software.

In the age of information and technology, graphic software is changing our way of life by redesigning the face of the world and how we experience it.

If you think 3D software is applied only to 3D entertainment, then you are wrong.

The applications range from civil engineering, urban planning, landscape design, electronics, mechanical design, aviation and aerospace, light industry, and chemistry, to filmmaking, apparel and ornaments, decoration, game design, and advertisement production.

The main use of the software for manufacturing and architecture is to predesign projects in 3D to avoid potential problems and test the design before being put into practice.

"If Edison had used 3D software, he would not have needed to create thousands of prototype bulbs. All he would've needed to do is design a bulb model in the software and press 'Enter'," said Patrick Williams, senior vice-president of Autodesk Inc, Asia-Pacific, a leading 2D and 3D design software company.

Regardless of whether companies are attempting to construct a building or a bicycle, 3D technology can help design, visualize and simulate ideas and rapidly explore the design alternatives.

As a result, enterprises across all industries can avoid costly work, accelerate project cycles and product launch times, and ultimately gain the competitive advantage crucial to success in an expanding and increasingly competitive global economy.

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Shortly after the 2008 economic downturn, designers at Changsha Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Development Co Ltd, a heavy-machinery manufacturer, were pushed to speed up their design process. Instead of hand-drawing the designs, the company turned to 3D software, shortening a process that normally takes up to two months to 30 days.

"If we can solve as many potential problems as possible using specialized software during the design phase, the cost will be lower compared with previous trial-and-error methods, saving us time and money for other processes," said Wang Yukun, director of the information department at the heavy-machinery manufacturer.

Williams said out that 3D software development and adaptation in China will enter an accelerated growth phase this year due to the country's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015).

At least 35 percent of manufacturing companies will drop their pens and pick up a computer mouse for design purposes.

However, he said that the number of Chinese manufacturers using 3D software is only one-third of their US peers.

"Using software for design is still a new concept in China, but the speed of adaptation is accelerating rapidly. For example, design software was applied to the construction of the Shanghai Tower as well as to the rebuilding of the Wenchuan area in Sichuan province after the region was hit by a major earthquake in 2008," said Shi Xing, a professor of architecture at Southeast University in Nanjing.