3D - Mainline Mouldings
Frame Profiles
Mainline Mouldings had a vector profile for each frame in their catalogue. Our goal was to take those vectors and turn them into 3D frames for them. At this stage, we prepared all profiles ready to go into our 3D software.
Scripting
This stage was the most innovative step. We created one frame by hand from one of the frame profiles, recorded our actions and then wrote a script that would generate a frame sample per profile as seen in the image. The generated frame would be already mapped, so that we could easily add textures on afterwards.
Texturing
With the models generated, we then created textures for each frame to go onto the models.
Frame generation
Once the initial sample was created, we developed a series of scripts to streamline the generation of additional frames—transforming flat 2D vector profiles into accurate, fully realised 3D representations.
Frame visualiser
We also used 3D Model Editor to give Mainline the option to change and customise their frames on their end. Each texture map was available in a top down menu where they could import their own images for a truly customisable product.
Matt
He / him; yellow. Creative jack-of-all-trades, Matt is "dangerously knowledgeable" in almost every facet of marketing. His favourite field is branding, and he loves developing inspiring, daring brand identities for organisations who are ready to do something different. But he's equally talented at front end web development and developing digital strategies. He's also the front man and guitarist in local parody heavy metal outfit Evil Scarecrow, plus a huge fan of music, eating in nice restaurants, and going on holiday.
Iulia
She / her. Iulia is Rusty Monkey’s animation, illustration and 3D expert. Responsible for making everything beautiful, she also dabbles in graphic design and UX design. Among her credits is an animated music video for local parody heavy metal band Evil Scarecrow. A talented artist, she showcases her work on her Instagram channel. She usually spends most of her time in some random corner of the house with a drawing tablet and a pen, scribbling away. Cat obsessed. Professional house plant killer. Autumn lover. Maker of things.
PROJECT TIMELINE
The Client
Mainline Mouldings is a family‑run wholesale specialist based near Nottingham in England, established in 1996. They supply an extensive range of framing materials—including wood and their own sustainable “Polcore” extruded mouldings made from 80–95 % recycled polystyrene, alongside mountboards, glazing, backing boards, adhesives, and framing equipment.
The Goal
Mainline Mouldings wanted to give their customers the ability to visualise how each frame would look in a realistic 3D space while browsing their website. To achieve this, we set out to transform their vector frame profiles into fully interactive 3D mouldings, bringing their catalogue to life online.
The Solution
Using 3D software, scripting and texture creation to generate frames from their existing vector frame profiles.
The Team
Our 3D guild, led by Iulia
We Said
Collaborating with Mainline on creating a working pipeline that will generate 3D frames based on their flat vectors was so rewarding. With hours of work reduced to the press of a button and the team their side being able to use the tool we created, we couldn't be happier!
The Outcome
A collection of frame models that can be used in digital and print content, as well as on Mainline Mouldings' website as a 3D visualising tool.
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