Summary
As part of my Ergonomics and visualization module I created a true to life CAD model and four photoreal renders of a Leatherman Bond multitool. These were modelled and rendered in the CAD package NX 12, with some aesthetic touch-ups in the digital art program Krita, in which I am self-taught. This project was a really interesting challenge in assembly management, precision CAD modelling and artistic rendering.
Worktop Model
This was the most complex scene to work on due to the two Leatherman assemblies which each needed to be individually constrained and posed. The vice I modelled as part of the background allowed me to experiment with NX’s surface texture controls to give the effect of rust and paint. My prior knowledge of blender was useful here as the tools in both programs function similarly.
Pliers-in-Hand Model
To create this render I started with a photo of me holding the Leatherman (seen on the right), then angled the CAD model over the real Leatherman and modelled leather shapes where my glove overlapped the model to ensure the correct shadows and reflections (seen in the middle). I then used Krita to place sections of the original glove over the modelled leather so that the CAD model appears to be in my hand, producing the final render on the left.
Plain-Background Model
I spent a while experimenting with poses for the multitool that stood out without needing a background by taking photos of the actual tool from different angles. I really liked the photo on the right as it showcased the multitools various components whilst also taking up the viewing space in a way I feel has a really nice symmetry to it.
Forest Model
In this model I made use of a combination of coloured lighting (middle photo) and a colourful HDRI map (right) to create a sense of ambient natural lighting and environmental reflections. I used Krita to blur half the shadow as NX doesn’t have the ability to render half blurred shadows, only full or non-blurred.
