大象传媒

Communication of ideas - Edexcel3D modelling

There are a variety of techniques, materials and media that designers can utilise while developing their ideas. Each provides a different function and allows designers to communicate ideas effectively.

Part of Design and TechnologyCore content

3D modelling

Modelling and prototyping to help with the design process

Modelling can be time-consuming and expensive, but a physical model allows a person to see and handle a product, unlike viewing it on a screen through . models made on a 3D printer using a CAD drawing are very accurate but also expensive, time-consuming and limited to 3D-printable materials. Product designers can use easy-to-form and easily accessible materials, eg , and cardboard, to create models quickly and cheaply.

A 3D model of a bedroom with a bed, customised drawers, a dressing table and a wardrobe.
A 3D model of a bedroom

Quick textile designs can be modelled out of newspaper and more-detailed models can be made from cotton or . Fabric models are called and can be made on a to test the and drape of a .

are used in the early development of electronic products. They are boards containing a series of holes that can be pushed into to allow current flow without making a permanent join. Components can then be easily swapped to improve or fix a .

A side view of a prototype of a solderless breadboard with components placed on top.
Example of a breadboard
Advantages of physical modellingDisadvantages of physical modelling
Allows a designer to physically handle a design and view from all sidesCan be time-consuming and complicated
Changes can be made quickly and easily3D printed models can be expensive and have limited materials available
Materials such as cardboard can be found cheaply and easilyModels can鈥檛 generally be used for testing as they don鈥檛 use the same materials that the product will be made of
Models can be scaled up or down in size
Models can be used to show to a client and get feedback on before production
Advantages of physical modellingAllows a designer to physically handle a design and view from all sides
Disadvantages of physical modellingCan be time-consuming and complicated
Advantages of physical modellingChanges can be made quickly and easily
Disadvantages of physical modelling3D printed models can be expensive and have limited materials available
Advantages of physical modellingMaterials such as cardboard can be found cheaply and easily
Disadvantages of physical modellingModels can鈥檛 generally be used for testing as they don鈥檛 use the same materials that the product will be made of
Advantages of physical modellingModels can be scaled up or down in size
Disadvantages of physical modelling
Advantages of physical modellingModels can be used to show to a client and get feedback on before production
Disadvantages of physical modelling
Next up
Watch a video
Previous page
CAD

More guides on this topic

Related links