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Three-dimensional (or 3D) modelling is the process of taking an object and converting it into a ‘wireframe model’ using special developed software aptly termed 3D modellers. When a 3D model is displayed on a computer screen it will naturally be in 2D, but with the aid of special rendering software – it looks like it is in 3D. This computer-model can then be physically created using state-of-the-art printer technology namely (yes you guessed it!!) - 3D printers.
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Science fiction movies, albeit works of fiction, depict technology such as this and although overly exaggerated, make a good parallel. Take Star Trek for example and its Transporter. An object is placed on a special pad and scanned by a 3D modeller. The collected information is fed directly into a computer and the object is regenerated elsewhere by a 3D printer. (Please don’t ask about humans!!).

The Replicator contains all the information needed to create any number of different items that have been ‘modelled’ and fed into the system earlier. Simply plug in a 3D printer and away you go.

But coming back to Earth, it is possible to model and subsequently duplicate inanimate objects with the technology we have at our disposal today.

Much of what we see around us has been produced in this fashion, from the car you are driving, through the chair you sit on to read this web-page.

3D modelling can be viewed two-fold:-

• Taking an already existing object in order to duplicate it.
• Designing an object from scratch and subsequently creating it.

The following sections go into more detail on the some of the main uses of 3D modelling.