An unreal engine in 3D rendering

One common theme from our clients has been the need for quality 3D animation – but not at an eye watering cost. The animation we discuss typically involves replicating complex processes and procedures or re-enacting real-life case studies for training purposes.

The 3D animations and scenarios often have to be developed quickly to deliver an important safety message or new technical procedure to a hugely geographically spread team. With one of our core values being innovation we’re always keen to explore the possibilities of not only delivering quality but also positively impacting the other two critical elements of time and cost. 💎⌚💰

One recent project for the Reuzer team saw us link up with University of Staffordshire student Max Ouaddane. Max is studying computer games art and when a client approached us for some incredibly high-resolution animation of a 3 phase separator as well as some impressively textured close ups – Max stepped up to the challenge.

From here on, Max talks us through the challenges he faced and how he stepped up to the mark to overcome them. 👇

Over to Max…

For all of us, the past 18 months have posed several new challenges. However, for those of us working in the field of 3D design and animation – we’ve had to adjust our ways of working and thinking to align to the unique challenges we face on a daily basis.

For us, it’s not as simple as putting a laptop in a backpack and picking up where we left off at home. Working from home has forced many of us to look towards new ways of production and rendering that can be performed on our home computers.

Unreal Engine

In our new 3 phase separator project, we had to push the boundaries of software to counteract the lower firepower of hardware. One of these counteracting tools is Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine allows for game-changing real-time rendering, without the need for render farms or high-end powerful (and expensive) PCs. 🖥💻

We shouldn’t underestimate the impact that new software packages such as Unreal Engine have had. It has enabled us animators to create high quality renders in minutes, instead of hours or in some cases days. Importantly it also allows us to leave the heavy desktops in the office and work remotely, a welcome change which has been accelerated by COVID-19 but is likely here to stay. It goes without saying that these adjustments to our workflow have not only allowed a speedy and high-quality delivery, but also a cost saving to our end client. A win, win, win scenario. 🥇🥇🥇

Optimisation

But it doesn’t stop there. Unreal Engine also introduces a new optimisation system called Nanite. Nanite lets us render extremely detailed assets in real-time without computer performance issues or the need to lower the resolution. In short, this new software opens up a new world of possibilities – from AR/VR to real-time product visualization and more. But above all, this software bridges the gap between the ambitious animator and their logistical limitations.

To conclude…

The reality of being unable to render work from home is daunting at first, but by thinking outside the box and switching to new tech, we were able to produce an amazing piece at a fraction of the time. It’s a promising future for us animators. Maybe one day we’ll be like the rest of you and work from home with ease!

To see and hear more about Reuzer and our digital training services for the safety-critical sector, contact us