Surface Modelling – 3D CAD

3D CAD Design / By / June 17, 2021

What is Surface Modelling technique?

When we talk about surface modelling, it is basically used to create complex shape of a feature on the external facets of an object. Technically the CAD software, it develops an object by extending a surface over it and with the help of 3D curves that are produced by the designer. In other words, you are depicting the boundaries of the surface of an object. 

In this type of modelling, the user can actually see the entire surface points beneath which the solid interiors are present. Surface models actually define the surface features, including the edges of an object. This is another example where surface modelling techniques can help. While solid modelling tools helps you build several sides of a shape at once, while surface modelling tools let you build one face at a time so you can control the exact contour and direction of that face.

Surface freestyle tool

Freestyle tool works based on sub-divisional modelling technique. With this, you start to model a primitive shape, for example a sphere or cube. This shape is surrounded by a control mesh. The mesh can be used to manipulate the primitive geometry. If you pick any of the elements of the control mesh such as a vertices, an edge or a plane, you will get a 3D dragger. One can manipulate the geometry directly with the use of the dragging tool. As you move the control mesh, the surface will be automatically built with high quality curvature.

Pros of Surface modelling

  • Surface modelling allows to create more free-form shapes.
  • It is more definitive in nature. There is no unnecessary ambiguity in this modelling technique.
  • Creation of complex surfaces is easier in comparison with other modelling techniques.
  • More realistic approach for creating free form objects

Cons of Surface modelling

  • The steps in Surface modeling are not parametric and hence it can be hard to make design changes.
  • It is rather difficult to construct. 
  • This methodology is more time-consuming in comparison to others.
  • Surface modeling also requires a large amount of storage space.

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