3D Modelling

Apps

• Milkshape 3D - LowPoly
• ZBrush
• Mixamo Fuse (now Mixamo.com with Adobe)
• Adobe Aero etc. (new from Mixamo.com)
• Autodesk Maya
• 3DS Max (Architecture and Design; linked to Revit and Inventor)
• Cinema 4D
• Blender
• MODO
• Houdini
• Katana
• SoftImage|XSI (Discontinued by Autodesk)

Notes

Types of 3D Modelling

• Point Clouds
  • Stores basic positional data
• Polygon Meshes
  • Points connected in Triangles
  • Mesh aka Subdivision Surface
  • Can contain properties like color
  • SolidWorks renders and models sent for 3D Printing are converted to polygons
• NURBS/Surfaces
  • Mathematical models
  • Have no resolution
  • Easy to edit since we're just changing curves
  • Rendered as polygon meshes

A "solid" model in CAD programs is no different from a surface model, except it has some extras like volume parameter etc.