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3D Modeling and Ruby on Rails Development
3D modeling and Ruby on Rails programming for a gear company that needed both visual and software capability.
Business goals
The client is a gear company. Gears depend on precise geometry, and that geometry is hard to appreciate from a flat picture or a table of dimensions. The client needed 3D models of its work and also needed programming help on a Ruby on Rails web application. Rather than hiring two separate specialists, the client wanted a single outside team able to handle both kinds of work.
Project overview
Hexagon delivered 3D modeling and Ruby on Rails programming for the client under one engagement. The modeling work produced digital models of gear components from the client's supplied information. The programming work added to and maintained a Rails web application as the client directed. Having both skills in one team meant fewer handoffs, and it meant that a single contact could answer questions about either part of the work.
Challenges faced and solved
Modeling and web programming rarely come from the same vendor, and gear work demands care in both.
Getting gear geometry right
Tooth profiles and mating surfaces are what make a gear work. A model that looks fine but misses the details gives engineers and customers the wrong idea of the part.
We modeled components from the client's supplied dimensions and checked the results with the client before treating a model as finished.
Two specialties, one small need
A specialist 3D contractor and a Rails contractor each mean a separate contract and a separate conversation. For a company whose core work is gears, managing both takes time.
We covered modeling and Rails programming in one team, which gave the client one point of contact for both streams.
Adding to a Rails application safely
Changes to a working web application can break features people already use. Without careful version control and review, a small addition can cost a lot more than it should.
We kept Rails work in version control and tested changes before release, so new work reached users without disturbing existing functions.
Turning modeling into usable files
A model isn't useful if it sits in a format nobody else can open. The client's people need files that suit how those models will actually be used.
We agreed at the outset on what each model was for and delivered files in a format that fit that purpose.
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Client's engineering and product staff | |
| 1. Gear Component Models | Digital 3D models represent the client's gear components in a form that can be viewed from any angle. |
| 2. Geometry Review | Models are checked against the client's dimensions, so errors are caught before anyone relies on them. |
| 3. Model Revisions | Models can be updated as designs change, without starting from scratch. |
| 4. Delivered Model Files | Finished files are handed over in an agreed format for the client's own use. |
| Web application users and owners | |
| 5. Rails Feature Development | New functions are written in Ruby on Rails to the client's requirements. |
| 6. Bug Fixes | Reported problems in the application are diagnosed and corrected. |
| 7. Version-Controlled Code | All changes are tracked, so work can be reviewed and rolled back when needed. |
| 8. Tested Releases | Changes are checked before release, protecting functions people already rely on. |
How the platform is put together
Each layer has one job.
The result
The client received both its 3D modeling and its Rails programming from a single team. That kept coordination simple for a company whose focus is gears.
| Area | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| 3D models | Component geometry held in drawings and figures | Viewable digital models of gear components |
| Vendors | Separate specialists to find and coordinate | One team for modeling and programming |
| Application changes | Limited in-house programming capacity | Outside Rails help available as needed |
| Code changes | Risk of changes affecting live functions | Tracked changes and checked releases |
How we took it from idea to launch
Good software follows a process. Here are the six stages, and what happens in each one.
Discovery & Requirements
Goal: Define the product vision, target audience and core business requirements.
Key activities- Stakeholder interviews
- Market and competitor research
- Defining user personas
- Drafting technical specifications or a Product Requirements Document (PRD)
Design (UX / UI)
Goal: Create an intuitive user experience and visual interface.
Key activities- UX design: information architecture, user flows and wireframes
- UI design: high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes in Figma or similar tools
- Design system: colors, typography and component libraries
Development: Frontend & Backend
Goal: Build the functional application using agile sprints.
Key activities- Backend: set up databases, design APIs (REST, GraphQL), implement server logic, and configure authentication and authorization (OAuth, RBAC)
- Frontend: build responsive interfaces and connect components to backend APIs
- Version control: manage code through Git and GitHub
Security & Optimization
Goal: Harden the application against vulnerabilities and boost performance.
Key activities- Security: address the OWASP Top 10, including injection, XSS and CSRF, enforce encryption in transit and at rest, and implement rate limiting
- Optimization: code splitting and lazy loading, database indexing, API caching and load testing
- QA and testing: unit, integration and end-to-end tests
Beta Release
Goal: Deploy to a controlled group of real users to catch edge-case bugs and gather feedback.
Key activities- Set up staging and production CI/CD pipelines
- Launch a closed or open beta with real users
- Monitor errors through observability tools
Public Release (Launch)
Goal: Roll the software out to the general public.
Key activities- Final production deployment
- DNS configuration
- Marketing and onboarding rollout
- Post-launch performance and security monitoring
Business benefits
Modeling and programming questions go to the same team.
3D models show geometry in ways flat figures can't.
Rails work gets done without hiring an in-house developer.
Version control and checks protect the live application.
Conclusion
Most manufacturers don't need a full-time 3D modeler and a full-time Rails developer, but they do need that work done properly when it comes up. Hexagon handled both for the client, keeping gear geometry accurate and application changes under control. For a small, specific need like this, one capable team saves a lot of coordinating. If your company has a mix of modeling and software work that doesn't fit a single vendor, tell us about it and we can talk.
Talk to us about your projectRelated services: design services · custom software development
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