In the Autocad 3d workspace there are three types of models: Wireframe models, Surface models and Solid models. We look at all three types in our Autocad 3d courses.
Wireframe Models lack faces. They are like a model made from wire coat-hangers. 2D objects (lines, circles and arcs) are used when creating a wireframe model.
Surface Models are created from faces, like objects made from cardboard; boxes, spheres and cones. If you dissect a surface model you can see the interior space, like a cardboard box.
Solid Models: again these are made of boxes, spheres and cones, but like objects in the real world solid models can be joined and dissected, revealing solid interiors.
Note that AutoCAD LT users will be able to view existing 3d models but not create or modify them.
Draw a wireframe wedge using the Line tool, Polyline tool or the Rectangle tool (above left). Note that you may find the Dynamic Input (DYN) a bit temperamental when typing in coordinates – it often wants to add the @ symbol whether you need it or not – if so, revert to typing in the Command line.
Now add surfaces to the wireframe wedge. First go to Visual Style: Conceptual or Realistic – note that you won’t see any changes till you add surfaces. Post-2009: Type 3dface into the Command line > Enter. (Pre-2009: You can also go to Draw > Modelling > Meshes > 3D Face). Then click on the corner-points of a surface face. Rotate your view by pressing both Shift and the Mouse-wheel to orbit around the box as needed > hit Escape.
Press Enter again to repeat the command for each of the 5 faces (or right-click > Recent Input – this will repeat the last command). Go to the Visual Style control panel and experiment with the different viewing modes. First note that this is still not a solid object; it’s a hollow shell, like a cardboard box. Also note that you don’t use this method of Wireframe Surface Modelling very often. The above mentioned Solid Modelling method is the most used – in this case we would use the Wedge tool. And note also that the colours of your solid models are dictated by the layer colour usually. Or add different colours to each side in the Properties tab.
The 3d interface in Autocad is user-friendly and easy to learn, and we take time to teach a broad range of applications in our classes including modeling, materials, lighting and animation. See many examples of our clients’ work on our Facebook page. For more information there are lots of resources on the web, but try the Autodesk site to begin with: www.autodesk.com. Support options and user forums are also available from the home page.
Other related Autocad 3d Blog Posts:

• Autocad 3d introduction
• Autocad 3d modeling
• Autocad 3d blocks
• Autocad 3d commands
• Autocad 3d basics