Creating open source repository of 3D models of laboratory equipments using Blender

Laboratory experiments provide hands on experience to students, thereby enhancing their understanding of the given topic. Often, due to lack of resources, interactive simulations of laboratory experiments are an attractive substitute. Simulations could be two dimensional (2D) or they could be three dimensional (3D). 3D has added advantages of multiple viewing angles, more realistic views with textures and lights, and cross-section walk-through. The process of creating a 3D simulation for a lab experiment is time consuming. Typically, it has 3 stages: Modeling, Animation and Adding Interactivity. We believe that a significant amount of time, money and effort could be saved if a repository of 3D models created using some Open Source software (such as Blender) is available. This will allow animators and programmers to concentrate on the further stages. In this paper we have identified the key design goals and presented a methodology to create a repository of 3D models. We have used this methodology to create more than 40 models in Blender, in about 4 months. These models can be downloaded and directly used by anyone. Moreover others can use this methodology to create their own model repository.