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What is 3D Modelling and What Possibilities Does it Offer?

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3D models, apart from their obvious appearance in computer games or animated films, are used in many other fields. In addition to medicine and science, architecture and construction have also benefited from the development of technology – creating a virtual mock-up is very useful for all kinds of projects. Graphic modelling is a process that requires a lot of knowledge and skills, so it is worth entrusting this task to a company with appropriate specialists and experience. Professionals in this field offer the development of 3D models used in online stores, virtual presentations, configurators, technical installations and industrial lines. 3D models are a popular alternative to physical models. More and more companies are using this technology. Thanks to it, we can easily and quickly compare the project with the environment or its destination. The 3D models look very realistic creating a more complete picture of the situation at the place of application. This solution is beneficial for both the designer, contractor and investor.

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3D modelling techniques

Professional companies involved in 3D modelling use special graphic applications that allow for the creation of various types of structures using geometric figures and tools helpful in their plasticization. There are two main 3D modelling techniques:

basic – uses polygon meshes, modified with various parameters, to build a 3D structure. The polygon mesh has the advantage that it is easy to deform an object (e.g. twist, bend, use a bone system), while parametric curves naturally create smooth surfaces. This method is easier because the object is very plastic.

complex – consists of a number of minor activities, such as height and displacement maps, allowing to determine the terrain model, extrusion or revolving solids, i.e. creating a 3D model from two-dimensional sections.

Complex 3D modelling techniques

Embossing

Add depth to two-dimensional sections by moving the sections along a path (segment or curve); some programs allow additional actions on sections, e.g. rotation, scaling, or even changing the section on individual path sections.

Rotary solids

Creation of revolved solids by rotating two-dimensional sections around an axis.

Constructive Solid Geometry

Defining solids by boolean operations (sum, difference, product) on other solids.

Subdivision surfaces

An uncomplicated solid creates an “outline” of the object, while the algorithm gives it a more round, organic shape by recursive division of surfaces and interpolation with parametric curves.

Height maps

A terrain modelling technique in which the height of a point is related to the color (brightness) of pixels on a bitmap.

Displacement maps

A technique similar to height maps: texture is applied to the polygon mesh, texel values determine the distance to which the vertices of the mesh are to be moved.

Advantages of 3D modelling

3D modelling in the design and planning phase helps to remove very time-consuming manual processes of preparation of sketches and graphics, which often leads to the construction of incorrectly made and ineffective objects. Designing 3D models can be used for real-time design calculations, visualization and sales presentations. Thanks to this advanced graphic technique, we are able to present photorealistic graphics and special visualizations of 3D rooms, which allow you to move virtually around the designed object or view it from every possible angle. 3D models are helpful in creating advertisements, film productions or designing websites. 3D graphics generate great interest compared to 2D graphics and are very useful in computer applications. All objects involved in the project, which are called 3D models, are stored in the computer database as a data file and can be freely modified according to the project requirements. The 3D modelling visualization technology provides the three-dimensional effect of each object.

Resume

Three-dimensional modelling is one of the most important design elements. Until recently, the availability of this solution was limited, mainly due to high hardware and software requirements. It is now a standard, which you can meet in CAD software for example. The unquestionable advantage of 3D solid modelling is design efficiency and the ability to quickly detect possible errors and remove them. The 3D technique allows you to simulate the behavior of the designed object in conditions similar to real ones. This factor turns out to be very important when creating designs of industrial machines and devices, as it allows checking their usability in the conditions of intended use before starting their physical creation.