Check out cloud-based 3D model optimization service RapidPipeline

DGG (Darmstadt Graphics Group) has launched RapidPipeline, its cloud-based 3D model optimization service for e-commerce and entertainment work.

The service lets studios process large sets of assets, converting them between file formats, changing geometry counts and topology, and baking or generating texture maps.

DGG has also just released RapidPipeline for Blender, a new add-on that lets artists use RapidPipeline from directly within the open-source 3D software.

An enterprise-level 3D model optimization service, now being rolled out to smaller studios
Previously known as RapidCompact and rebranded earlier this month, RapidPipeline is a cloud-based service for processing and optimizing 3D models.

It is designed for processing data at scale, enabling studios to process large sets of 3D assets, for deployment to multiple platforms.

Its early users included large tech and e-commerce firms, including Adobe, Shutterstock and Adidas, but DGG is also now targeting smaller studios, including AR, VR and game developers.

Convert 3D models between file formats, remesh them, generate LODs and bake textures
RapidPipeline can ingest models in a range of standard 3D formats, including OBJ, FBX, glTF, USD, PLY, STL, STEP and IGES, or as 3ds Max scenes with V-Ray materials.

Users can then perform operations on the files in bulk, including converting them between the different formats, or converting V-Ray materials to PBR texture maps.

It is also possible to decimate the geometry to a target poly count, generate LODs, remesh the model, cull hidden geometry, process UVs, or bake texture maps like normal and AO maps.

There are readymade presets for a range of use cases and platforms, including game engines and mobile devices; or users can create their own custom presets, with fine granular control.

RapidPipeline for Blender lets users process 3D models from directly within Blender
The new RapidPipeline for Blender plugin also makes it possible to use RapidPipeline from directly inside the open-source 3D software, rather than via a web browser.

The add-on is still in beta, and has some known limitations: in particular, it doesn’t yet support procedural materials.

Price and system requirements
RapidPipeline can run in the Chrome, Safari and Firefox web browsers, on desktop and mobile devices. The Blender plugin is compatible with Blender 3.5+ on Windows only.

Subscriptions cost between $19/month and $311/month or $180/year and $2,4988/year.

To use the Blender plugin, you need at least a Team subscription, which costs $86/month or $828/year, and which makes it possible to import up to 480 3D models per year for processing, baking textures at up to 4K resolution. Additional imports cost $1.73 each.

Read more about RapidPipeline on the product website

Find technical details about RapidPipeline in the online documentation

Have your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we don’t post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.