HA4 Task 4 - Mesh Construction
How are 3D models
constructed? Describe and explain the different modelling techniques available
to a 3D designer.
Remember that you are
trying to comprehensively explain the theory and applications of 3D with
elucidated examples and consistently using subject terminology correctly.
Polygonal Modelling
A polygonal mesh is a collection of edges, faces and vertices that are all connected. These items, when connected, resemble or form the desired shape, but the polygonal 'mesh' means what the object would look like if all its faces, edges and vertices were visible. Whats left are usually triangles which are connected in a manner to form the shape that is needed. An example of this mesh can be found below.
Primitive Modelling
Another way of creating a polygonal mesh is to use primitive shapes and connect them together, such as in the image below. As you can see, Cylinders and Spheres have mainly been used to create this robot. As mentioned before, primitive shapes can include Cubes, Cylinders, Spheres, Cones, Pyramids, Triangles and Disks. These shapes can then be taken and used in the 3D modelling software and then be pieced together to create the object you want. You are also able to modify the boundaries of the shape, such as the sides, and you can even modify the position of polygons or vertices to get the primitive exactly as you desire so that it will fit in with the final creation.
Box Modelling
This type of construction uses one primitive box to create the desired object. To do this, you create a box in the modelling software and manipulate the box and carve into it to make a face for example. To do this, two tools are required. Firstly, the sub-divide tool which splits faces and edges of polygons by creating new vertices. These sections can then be manipulated to, for example, create a nose which pokes out of the front of the box. Secondly is the extrude tool which creates a new face, of the same size and shape, connected to the face that has been selected. More information about this extrude tool can be found here:
http://www.3dtutorialzone.com/tutorial?id=59
Polygonal Modelling
A polygonal mesh is a collection of edges, faces and vertices that are all connected. These items, when connected, resemble or form the desired shape, but the polygonal 'mesh' means what the object would look like if all its faces, edges and vertices were visible. Whats left are usually triangles which are connected in a manner to form the shape that is needed. An example of this mesh can be found below.
Primitive Modelling
Another way of creating a polygonal mesh is to use primitive shapes and connect them together, such as in the image below. As you can see, Cylinders and Spheres have mainly been used to create this robot. As mentioned before, primitive shapes can include Cubes, Cylinders, Spheres, Cones, Pyramids, Triangles and Disks. These shapes can then be taken and used in the 3D modelling software and then be pieced together to create the object you want. You are also able to modify the boundaries of the shape, such as the sides, and you can even modify the position of polygons or vertices to get the primitive exactly as you desire so that it will fit in with the final creation.
Box Modelling
This type of construction uses one primitive box to create the desired object. To do this, you create a box in the modelling software and manipulate the box and carve into it to make a face for example. To do this, two tools are required. Firstly, the sub-divide tool which splits faces and edges of polygons by creating new vertices. These sections can then be manipulated to, for example, create a nose which pokes out of the front of the box. Secondly is the extrude tool which creates a new face, of the same size and shape, connected to the face that has been selected. More information about this extrude tool can be found here:
http://www.3dtutorialzone.com/tutorial?id=59
Extrusion Modelling
This technique is also commonly used. It involves the artist creating a 2D shape in a program such as illustrator from an angle. Once this is complete, another 2D image will be created, but from a different angle, so, if the first image was created showing the side of the object, the new image will most likely show the front/back. Once these sides are completed, they are extruded into a 3D modelling program, in which the user is able to turn their 2D creations into a 3D object. If the object is symmetrical, artists usually save time by modelling the first half of the object, and then duplicate that half, flip it round and join it with the first. This way, a lot of time will be saved and the object should have equal measurements.
Sketch Modelling
Possibly the most complicated method of 3D modelling is using sketch modelling. Programs such as ZBrush use this type of modelling and in you you actually draw the object you desire using a brush tool. You can modify the brush to make it draw how you want, but you can make some really detailed objects or characters using this method.
3D Printers
3D is new to the world, but is evolving rapidly. Not long ago, the 3D printing industry became massive and after a year, we have been able to go from 3D printing objects no bigger than shoe boxes, to printing life-sized dinosaur heads. 3D printing is the process of creating a model on a 3D modelling program on a computer, and the specialized 3D printer is able to actually produce the model you have created in the real world. It is very expensive to buy a 3D printer at the moment, but there will be one day not far from now where 3D printers can be purchased for the home for much less.
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