The dimension where 3D product visualization really gets in the full swing is the see-through type of images.
Very often to visualize a way of working of an intricate mechanism, an insight to the interior of the machine is necessary. Often times though, mechanisms work within a casing that prevents a viewer from seeing or understanding it.
In very few cases it is possible to capture such situation on a photo. A modification of the mechanism is needed, however, usually it appears to be simply impossible.
Again a product render has no limits here, not only to show an interior of a product but also imitate substances or physical processes occurring within it. More to it, this can be made with a photo-realistic level of detail.
The product visualization below shows an industrial boiler which would be just a huge tin can, especially for a layman, if it wasn’t rendered with a cross-section depicting it’s interior.
Of course the producer of this device might have asked to have photographs of it taken, perhaps they would also afford cutting this several-dozen-thousand Euro worth device, and perhaps it would be even possible to burn it in this state.
The question is at which point it is worth to go for a computer generated image rather than a traditional photography in such a case. Creating such a visualization is a tiny percentage of cost of even preparing the device for a photo session and still it offers way more possibilities to show the necessary aspects of a product.
Just imagine how much more attractive, even for a technical-minded person, such a crispy 3D render is compared to a 2D drawing attempting to account for the interior of this device. A brochure, pricelist or product catalogue enriched witch such visualization will catch attention much better than a rude technical drawing.
It’s quite surprising how often we need to run away from the reality in order to present real, physical processes. With traditional photography a lot can be achieved but in this less real dimension a 3D product visualization will stay unbeatable.