Mumbai University > Mechanical Engineering > Sem 7 > CAD/CAM/CAE

Marks: 10 M

Year: May 2014

Wire frame modelling is one of the methods used in geometric modelling systems. A wireframe model represents the shape of a solid object with its characteristic lines and points. The word “wireframe” is related to the fact that one may imagine a wire that is bent to follow the object edges to generate a model.

In other words, a wire frame model is an edge or skeletal representation of a real-world 3D object using lines and curves.

Model consists entirely of points, lines, arcs and circles, conics, and curves. In 3D wireframe model, an object is not recorded as a solid. Instead the vertices that define the boundary of the object or the intersections of the edges of the object boundary are recorded as a collection of points and their connectivity.

One can use a wire frame model to

1. View the model from any vantage point
2. Generate standard orthographic and auxiliary views automatically
3. Generate exploded and perspective views easily
4. Analyse spatial relationships, including the shortest distance between corners and edges, and checking for interferences
5. Reduce the number of prototypes required

Advantages of Wireframe model:

1. Simple to construct
2. Designer needs little training
3. System needs little memory
4. Take less manipulation time
5. Retrieving and editing can be done easy
6. Consumes less time
7. Best suitable for manipulations as orthographic isometric and perspective views.

Disadvantages of Wireframe model:

1. Image causes confusion
2. Cannot get required information from this model
3. Hidden line removal features not available
4. Not possible for volume and mass calculation, NC programming cross sectioning etc
5. Not suitable to represent complex solids