AI-Generated 3D Models Garner Millions of Likes! VAST Partners with Tronxy and Creality

Over the past year, the 3D printing industry has witnessed groundbreaking advancements as industry leaders like Tronxy and Creality have integrated AI-powered automatic modeling into their platforms. By inputting a simple text description, such as "a polar bear standing on a glacier," users can generate a complete 3D-printable model within seconds. This leap in efficiency is astonishing, considering that traditional manual modeling often requires skilled designers hours to accomplish the same task.

△ A 3D model of "a bear on an Antarctic glacier"

According to insights from 3D printing news outlet Panda3dp.com, these AI-driven modeling capabilities stem from VAST, a domestic company specializing in generative AI models, which has secured multi-billion-yuan funding. Long observed for its progress in AI-generated 3D modeling, VAST's breakthroughs signal a transformative shift in the 3D printing sector.

The Last Mile of Creativity: Modeling Challenges in the 3D Printing Industry  

The 3D printing industry stands at a pivotal juncture. Panda3dp.com previously reported that, according to Protolabs, the sector's growth rate exceeds forecasts by 10.5%. With the market size projected to reach $24.8 billion by 2024, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 21%, and forecasted to hit $57.1 billion by 2028, underlying issues hinder its potential.

"Even experienced 3D modelers require 3-4 hours or more to complete moderately complex designs," said a print farm manager. Moreover, there is a severe shortage of skilled modelers in the market.

Current mainstream 3D modeling tools, such as Blender, AutoCAD, and Fusion 360, demand a solid professional foundation, with most users needing 3-6 months of training to achieve proficiency. Even minor adjustments often necessitate mastering complex parameters and tools, creating a high barrier to entry that inflates costs and stifles creativity.

VAST's Technological Breakthroughs: Redefining 3D Creation  

In early 2024, VAST introduced Tripo 2.0, a groundbreaking 3D generative model boasting billions of parameters. This innovation not only marked a technical milestone but also revolutionized the 3D content creation process by reducing the traditionally labor-intensive workflow to mere seconds.

Founded in March 2023, VAST focuses on applying generative AI to 3D model creation and optimization, empowering users to effortlessly produce high-quality 3D content. Its core team, comprising top talent from leading global universities and research institutions, brings extensive expertise to the table.

△ Output by Tripo 3D

Technologically, Tripo 2.0 offers numerous innovative features. It supports diverse input formats, including text descriptions, reference images, and hand-drawn sketches, and leverages a proprietary cross-modal understanding algorithm to accurately interpret user intent. The system not only supports over 20 languages but also translates abstract descriptions into precise 3D features. Moreover, Tripo 2.0 reduces modeling time from hours to under a minute.

The platform demonstrates exceptional stability in practical applications. It generates models compatible with STL, OBJ, and FBX formats, optimizing print parameters for various 3D printing methods. Unlike traditional modeling tools, which demand extensive expertise, Tripo enables users with no prior experience to create high-quality models in minutes, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Collaborations with companies like Tronxy and Creality further streamline the transition from virtual models to tangible objects, delivering a seamless end-to-end creative experience.

New users can explore the Tripo platform at www.tripo3d.ai. Upon registration, they receive 600 credits, with each model generation requiring 30 credits.

△ Blogger "Digital Life Kha'Zix" showcasing 3D models and printed figurines created with Tripo 2.0's "Image-to-3D" feature

VAST continues to push boundaries by developing capabilities such as dynamic scene generation for complex scenarios, real-time editing for instantaneous model adjustments, and physical property optimizations like automatic support structure calculations. These advancements broaden the scope of AI's application in 3D design.

Versatile Applications: From Consumer Markets to Industrial Manufacturing  

The consumer 3D printing market is witnessing a revolution. When integrated into platforms like Tronxy's MakerWorld, Tripo sparked enthusiastic responses within creator communities. "Previously, I mainly downloaded existing models; now I use AI weekly to design my own creations," shared a 3D printing enthusiast. Some models generated via Tripo have already garnered dozens of downloads within weeks on Tronxy's model-sharing community.

Educational institutions are also adopting this technology to transform STEAM curricula. "Students can now focus on creativity rather than software complexities," noted a maker education lead at an international school. This hands-on approach fosters engagement and enthusiasm among students and parents alike.

The collectible figurine and designer toy sectors are experiencing an innovation surge as well. In early 2024, VAST co-hosted an international chess design competition with several global 3D printing firms. The event attracted nearly a thousand participants and produced around 3,000 unique chess piece designs within 14 days. By providing a simple text description or reference image, creators could instantly generate distinctive models, highlighting AI's potential to amplify creativity.

The Future of Customized Manufacturing  

As AI generation technology advances, the 3D printing industry faces unprecedented opportunities. VAST founder Song Yachen envisions three primary directions: continuous technological breakthroughs to generate more intricate content, deeper integration of AI into professional applications, and fostering an open ecosystem to engage a broader creator community.

Custom manufacturing is poised for a revolutionary transformation. "By merely inputting a description or image, users can generate a complete 3D mesh model in under a minute," said Song at a public event. For instance, creating a Halloween comb or a Christmas watch stand typically requires days of manual design, but with Tripo, users receive multiple options within minutes. This seamless workflow enables rapid prototyping, empowering designers to offer efficient custom design services. The instant creation and production model could significantly disrupt traditional supply chains.

△ Red Book blogger Shimmyhe.stl sharing 3D printed creations made using Tripo

Industry experts predict that the widespread adoption of AI generative technology will shift 3D printing from a niche hobby to mainstream application. "Much like smartphones revolutionized internet use, AI will redefine our interaction with 3D printing," remarked a venture capital partner. "In the future, everyone could become a creator—a thrilling prospect."  

△Red Book blogger You Maobing Studio, Bilibili up master Yuxiaoduiyo and Tanwan Geji Xiaoningzi shared their 3D printing works completed with Tripo.

In July 2024, VAST announced two funding rounds totaling billions of yuan, led by Green Oasis Capital, Dachen Capital, and Chunhua Ventures, among others. This marked a record-high investment in the 3D generative modeling field.  

With relentless innovation and ecosystem development, VAST is crafting a compelling vision for the era of digital manufacturing. "Our mission is not just technological development but enabling creative freedom," said Song Yachen. "We aim to make imagination accessible to everyone."  

Panda3dp.com firmly believes AI modeling will revolutionize the 3D printing industry.