I chose to build a model for a pencil for the homework of constructing a 3D model for an object. My model contains four parts: a red rubber eraser, a stainless hoop, a wooden pen, and a pencil core.
The model building process was not as smooth as I expected it to be for various reasons. Since I was unfamiliar with the software, I needed to look for instructions to find the tools I wanted. Also, I was working on my PC for the assignment. Without the help of a mouse, the long drag operations became trickier. Additionally, the software had powerful capabilities when merging small parts of an object but proved to be less convenient when I was trying to change the details of each piece. I needed to finish the eraser, the hoop, the pen, and the core parts and finally put them together.
Due to the limitations of my modeling ability and the software, I had to compromise the model’s accuracy and authenticity. After I finished the pencil core outside of the wooden pen, I changed its appearance to a rough metal. Then I moved the core into the pencil. Without a mouse, I needed to do that in two steps, which made me unable to find the pen’s center. When I moved the core into the pencil, they became one body, and the rough metal core became wooden. I created a rough metal tip outside the pencil to cover the flaw.
This assignment helped me to get some hands-on experience in 3D modeling. I think it is competitive in terms of accurate design, model verification, and detailed demonstration. When I was doing this assignment, I was constantly comparing digital modeling to handmade models. It is easier for someone with no modeling experience to manipulate an actual model. When we are talking about the accuracy of millimeters, however, handmade models are not competitive anymore. Additionally, before mass production, we often need to change our models many times. In that case, a digital 3D version costs less and is more efficient for modifications. Lastly, a digital 3D model means that anyone can access the model at any time (even multiple people simultaneously), which would be impossible for most handmade crafts. Imagine when students are researching an antique vase. Humans can’t look into the vase and see if there are inscriptions or figures on the internal face of the vase, but we can use digital scanning to check. Also, three students can’t look at an actual vase at the same time. Transportation is another consideration in the real world.
As for the device’s limitation, we need a new set of devices for 3D modeling. The traditional computer mouse is not convenient enough for operation. Think of 3D modeling as drawing in a 3D way. It is harder to draw with a mouse on a computer than to draw with an actual pen on a piece of paper. But touch screens and digital pencils can make the drawing experience a lot easier or even better in some way (it is impossible for a painter to have more than 1 million kinds of hues, but it’s a piece of cake for a computer to generate any color one needs). When we have a better compatible device for 3D modeling, this technique can help more people and show more potential.
A tip I would give for someone with no modeling experience is to use a mouse when modeling.
