Chapter 4
3D CAD
4.1 An introduction to 3D modelling
In Chapter 3, we discussed 2D CAD, its history and attributes. Most software programs such as AutoCAD are capable of generating 3D models from 2D CAD drawings using the ‘extrusion’ tool, while others such as 3D Studio Max can achieve similar results by altering geometric and parametric attributes of primary shapes and solids such as circles, cylinders, squares, and cubes. (Extrusion is a common term used in 2D to describe the extension of 2D CAD ‘upwards’ to reflect height.) 3D models can be any real object with three dimensions that can be displayed on a personal computer using specialised software programs.
3D modelling is applicable to a wide variety of industries. For example, the video ...
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