Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Blender and Substance Painter: Workflow for Creating a Realistic Hard-Surface 3D Model

Abstract

Ovaj završni rad istražuje integraciju umjetne inteligencije u proces izrade trodimenzionalnih hard-surface modela kroz praktičnu primjenu u alatu Blender. Cilj je bio ispitati u kojoj mjeri AI alati mogu unaprijediti, ubrzati ili automatizirati pojedine faze 3D produkcije – od konceptualizacije do gotovog modela. U fokusu je izrada steampunk interpretacije puške AK-47, koja je poslužila kao testni objekt za evaluaciju učinkovitosti različitih AI alata. Primijenjeni su alati za generaciju vizualnih referenci (DALL·E, Leonardo.ai), tekstura (Substance Painter), tehničkih procesa (Quad Remesher, UVPackmaster), te eksperimentalni alati za potpunu 3D generaciju (StableFast3D, Meshy, SHAP-E). Rezultati su uspoređeni prema kriterijima kvalitete, upotrebljivosti i brzine, a njihova analiza upućuje na jasna ograničenja i prednosti trenutne generacije AI tehnologije. Zaključno, rad potvrđuje hipotezu da umjetna inteligencija ima potencijal značajno unaprijediti workflow u 3D modeliranju, ali uz uvjet stručne kontrole i ljudske intervencije u ključnim fazama izrade.This final thesis explores the integration of artificial intelligence into the workflow of hard-surface 3D modeling through a practical application in Blender. The aim was to examine to what extent AI tools can enhance, accelerate, or automate specific stages of 3D production – from concept generation to the final model. The project centers on the creation of a steampunk reinterpretation of the AK-47 rifle, serving as a case study for evaluating the effectiveness of various AI tools. Tools were used for generating visual references (DALL·E, Leonardo.ai), texturing (Substance Painter), technical processes (Quad Remesher, UVPackmaster), and experimental full 3D generation (StableFast3D, Meshy, SHAP-E). The results were compared based on quality, usability, and speed, with the analysis pointing to both the limitations and advantages of the current generation of AI technology. Ultimately, the thesis confirms the hypothesis that artificial intelligence holds significant potential for improving the 3D modeling workflow – provided there is expert oversight and human intervention in key production stages