3D models are mathematical representation of a three dimensional object. They are used in a wide range of industries such as 3d printing, video games, virtual reality, marketing, medical imaging, manufacturing and motion pictures. 3D mesh is often used as the base of a model while polygons consists the model’s structural build. For animation purposes, careful construction is extremely necessary in order to prevent possible unusual deformations. On the other hand, if you are planning to create your own 3D models, then there is a need for you to know that there are 4 types of 3D models out there. Each one of them have their own editing techniques and creation, so you better be aware of it.

Surface Model

While the other 3D modelling types only describes the edges of the object, surface models, just like what they are called, also describes the object’s surface. It makes use of a polygonal mesh. However, as the mesh’s faces are planar, it can approximate curved surfaces only. Nevertheless, there are still tools that you can use in order to come up with true curved surfaces.

Wireframe Model

The first 3 model is like the 3D object’s skeletal description. It does not have any surface and instead, it is only comprised of curves, lines and points that are used in describing the object’s edges. In order for you to create wireframe 3D models, you can simply position 2d planar objects in a 3D space. However, because there is a need for you to dram each line, curve and point, you can expect that it would take you a lot of time to finish your model as compared to using the other model types.

Solid Model

When it comes to the easiest model to use, there is no doubt that solid 3D models tops the list. In this one, it is possible for you to create the basic shapes in 3D with ease including donuts, wedges and spheres. In addition to that, not only can you create the basic shapes but you can also create more complex solids. The only thing that you need to do is to find their overlapping volume, subtracting or joining these shapes. What makes solid 3D models great is that they look more realistic. However, because of that, it is quite difficult to do. In addition to that, it is best to be used or engineering and medical objects stimulation.

Shell Model

This is the type of 3D model that is used in the movie and gaming industry. As compared to the solid models, shell models represents the object’s boundaries instead of the object’s volume. Because of that, they are often called boundary models.

For the reason that different methods are used in creating and editing them, it is not suggested for you to combine the types of 3D models mentioned before. In addition to that, it is quite impossible for you to convert one model to another. After all, there is a limited conversion between them.