Use MPanel to Win New Customers

Getting prospective customers to buy into your design ideas can many times be the most difficult part of your job. With MPanel software and AutoCAD® you can now take full advantage of your  3D design drawing by rendering the model and adding the background scene of your choice. This really gives your customer something that they can visualize before anything is ever physically built. After your client has agreed to the design, you or your fabricator can use this same MPanel model to produce the patterns and panels necessary to manufacture the new structure.

Step 1 - Design and refine

The first step to creating a fantastic rendering is building a really good model to begin with. Use MPanel’s 3D Modeling Tools to find the exact shape and design that you are looking for.  By applying different tensions to the mesh and cable edges you can easily refine the surface into almost anything that you can imagine.  Want a jump start?  Just choose the new “Automatic Model Builder option.  This feature allows you to plug-in dimensions for width, height, ring diameter & more and then instantly create a render ready model with a single click!

Step 2 - Visualize

The next step is to begin to visualize your design  Use the AutoCAD Shading options under the View pull-down to see the model with a “skin” that covers the wire-frame surface.  The 3D Orbit command gives you the ability to view your design from any angle; a full 360 degrees.

Next, choose Render, also located under the View pull-down.  This gives you the ability to add a material to your model.  Choose from the Material Library or create a new one from an image scan of the exact material that will be used.  This is a perfect way to try different materials and combinations without creating any waste.  Patterns and logos can also be applied to give a complete custom look.

Step 3 - Really impress...

Finally, use your MPanel model as the focal point of a fully rendered scene. Choose additional items like lighting & shadows, environment effects like fog, trees & people and a background image (maybe even a photo of the actual site!).

Because MPanel models are 100% .DWG format, they are compatible with any other rendering and/or animation program that works with AutoCAD data. They work with 3D Studio VIZ and MAX, AccuRender,  Rhino and more.  Really impress your client with a walk-through or fly-by.  Create virtual structures for an on-line catalogue of your products to allow prospective new customers to interactively experience your designs.  The possibilities are endless.

...and WIN!

MPanel and AutoCAD® are perfect partners in all aspects of your design process. Your clients will appreciate the ease in which you are able to immerse them into the whole project; from your initial drawings through to final production. New customers who are not familiar with the architectural possibilities of tensile fabric structures, will be especially interested in your ability to visualize how their finished project will look, feel, and interact with the environment.

Designers who use MPanel software have a real edge when it comes to competing in the world of tensile architecture.  Make it a part of your arsenal and get ready to hear those magic words……

“You Win”

Timothy Akes

CAD Effects, LLC

10805 Sunset Office Drive,  Ste 300

St. Louis, Missouri  63127 USA

(314) 631-6300 voice

(314) 754-9388 fax

takes@cadeffects.com

Alan Stewart

Structureflex

280 Bay Road

Cheltenham, 3192 Victoria, AU

(03)9581 6150 voice

(03) 9581 6177 fax

alan@structureflex.com.au