Polygonal 3D Modeling – Some processes you must be

acquainted with

Polygonal modeling is the process of creating a digital depiction of 3D objects using a geometric

mesh comprised of vertices, edges and faces. The below processes are those which every

company offering 3D services must master.

Extrusion

This is the method by which geometry is added to a polygon primitive. Through the process of

extrusion, experts in professional companies manipulate 3D mesh either by extruding the surface

out alongside its external normal or by subsiding a face on itself.

In extrusion process, 4 new polygons are created for bridging the opening between its beginning

and finishing positions. Extrusion is also possible for edges and during this process, duplication

of edges takes place which can be rotated in any desired direction. This creates a new polygonal

face.

Subdividing

The 3D modeling service providers use subdividing for selectively or homogenously adding

polygonal resolution to the concerned model. Some extent of subdivision must be there for

creating a finished model as any polygonal model normally begins with very less faces and low-

resolution primitive.

With uniform subdivision, surface blocking can be eliminated and evenly smoothened. Selective

placement of extra edge loops is required normally in enhanced body parts like elbows, knees,

eyes and lips of characters.

Read more about SketchUp- How can you effectively use it for 3D modelling?

Chamfers or bevels

You may have heard about bevel if you are in anyway related to woodworking, industrial design

or engineering niches. Edges in a 3D model are sharp infinitely. This however can never happen

in the actual world. If you inspect carefully the objects around you, it can easily be found that

almost all edges have some or other type of roundness or unevenness to it. Charmers or bevels

consider this fact with peek relevance and reduces the severity of model edges.

Refining or shaping

Refining or shaping is many times also referred as pulling and pushing of vertices. Most of the

models need certain level of refinement that has to be done manually. While refining, the service

provider moves each vertices for fine-tuning the surface contours.

Refinement is the longest process for any services provider and according to the popular

companies offering related services, nearly 90% of the time is spent for refining. In fact this is

the process that immensely influences the output quality.

Being acquainted with the above processes and gaining proficiency in them can surely help any

3d modelling service provider to stay unbeaten in the increasing competition.