For many years, 3D modeling is one of the most important specializations facilitating the growth of industry and mankind. You may not know, but the videos or images that we use or see are designed and produced with the help of this expertise. 3D modeling helps craftsmen to design specific parts or helps marketers to create a video to attract users.
3D modeling helps humans to create a picture of whatever they have in mind. In this article, we intend to examine the types of 3D modeling. I suggest that if you are interested in this profession and want to get to know its types, stay with us until the end of this article.
Table of Contents
Types of 3D modeling
Let’s start the article with the definition of 3D modeling. The process of creating a 3D image of a surface or object is called 3D modeling. Something like painting a cylinder or a sphere with shading that are 3D models of a circle.
Of course, 3D modeling is not done only on paper. What is very common today is 3D modeling using computer software. In the process of creating a 3D image with the help of software, the expert deals with points, lines, and geometric shapes to bring the desired shape or image closer to the real and manufacturable form.
The process of making a 3D model usually starts with a geometric shape whose sides, vertices, and shapes are closer to the final concept. In this process, the top of each line is where its shape is changed. Every three-dimensional model consists of a variety of lines and vertices that are connected in a network.
To change the modes of the 3D model, you need to move the vertices of the lines. Of course, changing the angle or shape of lines requires geometry and mathematics. 3D design software does the calculations and also allows the designer to adjust lines horizontally or vertically relative to a specified vertex or point.
1. Solid Modeling
Solid modeling translates to solid modeling or better to say solid. Solid modeling means three-dimensional designs that, in addition to the massive surface, have depth and sex like the surface. Suppose we cut a piece of wood into a triangle and cut the same triangle in half; the material inside and outside is the same. Designs executed in the style of Solid modeling also have such conditions. That is, in addition to being clear about the material and shape of the surface of the design, its depth and interior also have material and shape.
This method is mostly used to design objects such as gears, pipes, etc. in the industry. Because the design must have the same conditions in addition to the image that we see from the surface. Tinkercad and FreeCAD are two software that is recommended for the basic designs of this type of modeling. To implement advanced designs, it is better to use programs such as SketchUp, SolidWorks, and Autodesk Fusion 360.
- Wireframe Modeling
An example of a 3D design designed by Wireframe Modeling is our cube drawing. In Wireframe-style modeling, we face an object that gains volume by connecting adjacent points with lines. Wireframe Modeling creates the initial model of 3D shapes whose surface is supposed to be covered with different materials.
Various industries such as steel or aircraft manufacturing use this type of modeling to create a 3D image of the objects they intend to produce. Not an image where the design surface has material or color, but a model made using wire. A 3D image is simply created from several lines that are connected.
Different software has been developed to implement designs using Wireframe Modeling, the most famous of which are Blender, Autodesk Maya, 3DS Max, and Cinema 4D.
3. Surface Modeling
The third method in 3D modeling, which is famous and practical due to its use in industries such as automobile manufacturing or designing consumer objects, is called Surface Modeling.
This term translates to surface modeling. In this type of modeling, the image of the objects is executed in 3D, but like the Solid modeling method, the objects do not have depth. In this method, only the material, color, and exposure of the surface of the objects are done.
4. Box modeling
The name box modeling is chosen because of the different structures of the design in this method. In this method, the designer creates a rectangle or square in the program board as the size of the model he wants to design, then by copying the same rectangle next to it, he completes the details and shape of the model step by step. Another point in this discussion method is to arrange a plan partly by part together to complete the whole plan.
For example, consider the 3D design of a human hand. In the first step, a square is created for the palm, then, step by step, rectangles are created for the fingers, and after five fingers are completed, their shape and form are added to the hand model with details.
This method is mostly used in building design or furniture models. The models made with this method often, like the Surface Modeling method, only have surface color and texture and no depth. Blender software is suitable and practical for modeling with the Box modeling method.
5. Polygonal Modeling
Polygonal Modeling is a practical method of 3D modeling to produce representational characters. Animated characters or models of characters in the real world are usually made with this method of 3D modeling. Of course, this method has certain details and difficulties in implementation, which are usually not recommended for less experienced modelers.
The distinctive feature of this method is the ability to add details to the model and animate it because it is possible to implement different angles and shapes of the model. The most useful software for this type of 3D modeling is Topogun and Maya.
6. NURBS
Another 3D modeling method is Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline or NURBS. This method has several features. The designs produced with it have a smooth and accurate surface, and modeling with it is very simple. You can implement the NURBS method with software like Blender.
The NURBS method is usually compared with the Polygonal method. In both methods, functional 3D models are made, but in the NURBS method, the implementation of designs is much simpler and more complete than Polygonal. The reason is flexibility in movement or changing the shape and angle of the surfaces that are made with this method.
7. Primitive Modeling
From the old days, a simple and attractive technique was used for physical modeling, which entered this field after the development of 3D design software. Primitive modeling is a simple technique for creating complex 3D models based on geometric shapes. The shapes used to prototype the model can be polygonal or non-polygonal, or they can be combined to create more detailed models.
For example, circles can be combined to create an egg shape or multiple cubes can be stacked to create a 3D cube.
Primitive modeling provides a quick and easy solution to creating 3D models and is often used for low-angle models or prototyping. However, if the designer has a good understanding of geometry, he can create higher quality and more complex models with this method.
8. 3D Sculpting
Think how a carver or sculptor carves different angles, designs, shapes, or different surfaces of a human body and face to complete the shape of the sculpture. In Sculpting modeling, the same process is followed. First, they make the general model of the main design with some geometric shapes such as cubes or cylinders. Then, by removing or adding details, the model is brought closer to the final image.
The range of implementation of different models with this method is very large. Hard models such as human faces to houses and tools or cars can be modeled with this method. But it has certain difficulties that not every modeling can handle. Software such as SelfCAD or ZBrush is a suitable option for modeling in this way.