E3D Model Display Tool — Browser-Based 3D Model Viewer
Client: Japanese Industrial Client
The Problem with Video-Only Simulation Delivery
When an E3D simulation is shared as a video, the person watching it is a passive observer. They can only see what the camera shows — specific conveyor sequences, particular robot movements, pre-selected viewpoints. If a stakeholder wants to check how a specific rack aisle looks at forklift height, or whether a particular column creates a visibility obstruction for the supervisor station, the video cannot answer that question.
Historically, the only solution was to schedule a live session with an iPlus engineer who would operate the Emulate3D software in real time. This created scheduling overhead, time zone friction, and limited how many stakeholders could engage with simulation review.
The Solution: A Browser-Native Viewer
The E3D Model Display Tool is a purpose-built web application that reads E3D raw3d model files and renders them in a browser using WebGL-accelerated 3D graphics. No Emulate3D license required, no desktop software to install — any stakeholder with a browser and a project access link can explore the model freely.
- Full 360° orbit, zoom, and pan controls — standard across desktop and mobile
- Layer visibility toggles to isolate specific system components
- Measurement tools for verifying dimensions and clearances directly in the browser
- AWS-hosted with project-level access control for secure sharing
- Optimized loading for large simulation files (typical factory-scale models)
Impact on Review Cycles
With the tool in place, iPlus sends clients a secure access link alongside their simulation deliverable. Clients explore independently, capture their own screenshots and annotations, and arrive at review meetings with specific, informed questions rather than open-ended impressions. Feedback quality has improved, approval cycles have shortened, and the tool has become a standard part of iPlus's E3D simulation delivery.
Challenge
E3D simulations are typically shared as MP4 video exports — useful for presentations but limited: stakeholders cannot explore the model from different angles, inspect specific zones not captured in the video, or review model details at their own pace. Accessing the full E3D model requires the Emulate3D software license, which most clients and project stakeholders do not have.
Solution
iPlus Solution developed the E3D Model Display Tool — a web-based 3D viewer that allows users to open, explore, and interact with E3D models (raw3d format) on any device using only a standard web browser. Built with Node.js on the backend and React.js on the frontend, the tool provides full 360° model exploration, zoom, pan, and layer visibility controls. Models are securely hosted on AWS, with access managed through project-specific permissions.
Results
Delivered in just 3 months, the tool has transformed client review workflows. Stakeholders can now explore simulation models independently, perform self-directed inspections of any zone or detail, and provide more precise, actionable feedback. Review cycles have shortened, and the need to schedule dedicated demonstration sessions has been reduced significantly.