Insight

Techsol Media is a division within Global Techsol Ltd – a fastener engineering consultancy established in 1999 in the UK – that specialises in producing photorealistic video animations tailored specifically to the fastening sector. 

Techsol Media’s aim is to support clients in showcasing, marketing and explaining products to potential customers. “Trying to convey how technical products work through text and 2D images alone can be difficult,” explains Connor Hanratty, business development engineer at Techsol Media. “However, by creating unique tailored animations, we can demonstrate how a product works, its features and benefits, as well as installation techniques, and show the potential applications in concise 1 – 2 minute videos. This enables our clients to market their products online, in sales presentations, during training sessions, as well as at trade shows.”

Using state of the art animation and editing software, combined with computers utilising cutting edge graphics hardware, Techsol Media produces animated rendered video presentations. These can be narrated or supplemented with on screen text/graphics to further explain the
on screen concept. “Photorealistic animation level of production quality means the audience is essentially watching a real version of the product, whilst the fastener company avoids having to shoot real video, which in some settings is simply impossible, or very costly to do,” points out Connor. “The ‘magic’ of animation enables a product or application to be seen in ways not possible in the real world. Solid products can be seen in their entirety and then transition to be seen in cross section – revealing what is going on internally. In addition, key features of the product can be seen in ultra close up detail. The product can also be dynamic and move to show how it works in a variety of application settings. However, the ‘magic’ not only depends on the software and hardware, but also our knowledge of how to produce a meaningful video animation production. Due to our expertise within the fastener industry, we can create the video with minimal input from the customer.”

Through these animated videos Techsol Media can provide a powerful marketing tool that helps capture attention more effectively than static images or text – making them ideal for use on websites, social media and trade show displays. “The fastener industry can leverage 3D animations and videos to enhance various aspects of operations, from product visualisation and training to marketing and customer engagement,” reports Connor. “By utilising 3D animations, companies can create detailed representations of their fasteners, highlighting complex designs and mechanisms in ways that traditional methods cannot match. This allows customers to see how fasteners work in different applications, providing a deeper understanding of their advantages. These animations are particularly useful for demonstrating the functionality of innovative or intricate fasteners, making it easier to convey their unique selling points.”

In order to produce the videos Techsol Media firstly looks to understand the product and how it works, as well as the applications in which they are used. “We need to know what features of the product are important and what benefits they provide to the user. We finally need to understand who the target audience is and if we need to be aware of a theme or style,” mentions Connor. “Armed with this information, we then set about developing an animation that communicates the key points to the target audience.”

To start the process, Techsol Media creates a simple concept animation to ensure it is in agreement with the client on what is expected, before proceeding to the next stage of development. This allows the client to have input during the process and before the final version is created – with the process typically taking about 4 weeks from start to finish.

“Videos simplify complex technical concepts, making it easier for customers to understand the functionality and applications of various fasteners. Through engaging animations, clients can demonstrate installation procedures, product benefits and potential applications in a clear and visually appealing manner,” states Connor. “This not only helps in educating clients but also reduces the likelihood of errors during the installation process, thereby improving customer satisfaction and product reliability. Overall, animated videos are a versatile and impactful medium for communication in the fastener industry, as well as aiding in both education and marketing.”

For instance, Techsol Media’s 3D videos offer several benefits to company’s training programmes for both customers and employees. “Our videos can present installation procedures, maintenance tips, and safety guidelines in a clear and engaging manner, which improves comprehension and retention,” highlights Connor. “This is crucial for ensuring that fasteners are used correctly and safely, reducing the risk of errors. Additionally, 3D animations can simulate real world applications and potential challenges, offering practical insights without the need for physical prototypes.”

Alongside its ability to create animated videos, Techsol Media can also assist companies with visual prototyping and final product visualisations. “Our capability in creating and designing 3D worlds, without the limitations and time requirements of machining and assembly, allows us to give our customers a view of their products or assemblies without any physical limitations. We can provide images or models of concepts for fastening assemblies or installation systems; make metals transparent; show angles otherwise inaccessible; and show the installation of products that have not yet been produced – all in high-quality, photorealistic images or videos. These tools can be invaluable for companies making proposals and presentations for their products to new customers.”

Connor concludes: “Techsol Media was born out of the fastener industry and we have over 40 years of  ‘design in’ application engineering in-house experience in the company. With expertise in business development engineering for BBA Srl, we started creating videos to use as sales and marketing tools for BBA’s customers. Having realised the benefit of showing unique products to customers through a visual medium, which had previously been used only by large companies with large marketing budgets, we decided to combine our knowledge of fasteners and animation to make photorealistic animated videos accessible to all companies within the industry. These videos highlight the unique features and advantages of a company’s products, creating a compelling narrative that can drive sales. Additionally, the use of animation helps in building a strong brand identity, as visually consistent and well produced videos contribute to a professional and innovative image.”

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