Animation has evolved significantly, and today’s digital artists have access to a wide array of tools that allow them to create incredibly detailed and realistic visuals.
If you’re venturing into 3D modelling, you’ve probably encountered two primary techniques: CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and Poly Modelling.
While both are widely used in animation studios in Singapore, they serve different purposes and are optimal for distinct types of projects.
Let’s break down the differences between CAD and Poly Modelling and help you determine which method is best for your animation project.
What are CAD and Poly Modelling?
Before we compare the two, let’s break down what CAD and Poly Modelling actually are.
CAD(Computer-Aided-Design)
CAD modelling is primarily used for engineering, manufacturing, and product development. This technique focuses on precision and technical accuracy, making it the go-to choice for mechanical design, architecture, and industrial prototyping.
CAD models are built using mathematical representations featuring exact measurements, angles, and extrusions essential for production.
Poly Modelling
Poly Modelling is the heart of 3D animation. This technique involves using polygons (flat shapes like triangles and squares) to create 3D models. Poly Modelling gives animators the artistic freedom to craft complex, organic shapes, making it ideal for films, games, and animation projects. Some applications include:
- Animation & VFX: Used to create characters, creatures, and dynamic environments in films, games, and TV shows.
- Gaming: Game developers rely on Poly Modelling to build characters and environments that are rendered in 3D.
- Movies & TV Shows: Studios like Pixar and DreamWorks use Poly Modelling to create visually rich scenes and characters.
The Importance of Topology
One of the key distinctions between CAD and poly modelling lies in the concept of topology.
In Poly Modelling, the topology refers to:
- The arrangement of polygons, typically triangles and squares, on the surface of a 3D model.
- This structured pattern is essential for ensuring that the model deforms correctly when animated, allowing for smooth movement, accurate textures, and lifelike interactions.
In contrast, CAD models prioritise:
- Precision and functionality over surface topology.
- As CAD is designed for engineering and manufacturing, it doesn’t require the same level of geometric flexibility. This lack of specific topology makes CAD ideal for technical applications but unsuitable for animation, where controlled deformations and detailed surface behavior are critical.
CAD vs. Poly Modelling
Choosing between CAD and Poly Modelling depends on the type of projects your animation studio undertakes. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide.
Poly Modelling
Pros
- Artistic Freedom: Poly Modelling is great for creating lifelike characters, complex creatures, and dynamic environments. It’s a go-to for animated films, games, and VFX.
- Realistic Textures: Poly Modelling allows detailed texturing, resulting in stunning and realistic visuals.
- User-Friendly Tools: Many Poly Modelling tools are more intuitive and accessible, making them easier for animators and artists to learn and use, compared to other methods.
Cons
- Less Precision: While perfect for creative projects, Poly Modelling doesn’t provide the precision needed for engineering and technical models.
- Time-Consuming: Creating complex models can take time, especially for highly detailed scenes.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
Pros
- Precision: CAD is ideal for projects requiring exact measurements, such as engineering designs or product animations.
- Industry Standard: It’s widely used in manufacturing and engineering, making it the go-to choice for technical projects.
- Modifiable Dimensions: CAD allows easy adjustments of parameters without having to start over.
Cons
- Limited Artistic Freedom: CAD is more focused on precision and less on creativity, making it unsuitable for projects requiring organic shapes.
- Unrealistic and Poor Quality Graphics: CAD is built for technical accuracy, which results in graphics that don’t meet the high standards required for animation and video production.
- Inability to Animate Models: CAD models are designed with static representations in mind. Unlike poly modelling, they cannot be animated in a natural way, apart from moving camera angles. This limitation prevents CAD from being viable for complex animations or character movement.
Poly Modelling is the Key for Animation Studios
For animation studios, Poly Modelling is clearly the better choice. While CAD excels in precision for manufacturing and engineering, it doesn’t meet the demands of animation.
Poly Modelling, on the other hand, allows for dynamic shapes, textures, and designs that are vital for creating the stunning visuals we see in movies, games, and TV shows.
Many animation studios, in fact, only use polygonal modelling for their 3D development. While CAD models can be adapted, they all need to be converted into poly models before any progress can be made.
The CAD-to-Poly Conversion Challenge
One common misconception is that CAD models can be directly used for high-quality renders. However, CAD files must be converted into poly models before they can be textured and animated. This process is necessary because:
- Topology Optimisation – CAD models often have overly complex or messy topology, which can cause issues with deformation in animation.
- UV Mapping – Texturing requires good UV maps, which are difficult to generate from CAD geometry. Converting to a polygonal model allows for proper UV unwrapping.
- Performance – CAD models can be very dense with unnecessary details. Polygonal models allow for optimisation, making them easier to work with in real-time applications.
- Compatibility – Most animation and rendering software (Maya, Blender, 3ds Max) work best with polygonal meshes rather than CAD solids or NURBS surfaces.
Conclusion
While CAD modelling plays a vital role in engineering and manufacturing, it does not meet the demands of high-quality 3D animation. Animation studios like us (Dustin Hill Productions) rely exclusively on poly modelling to achieve the desired level of realism and artistic flexibility.
If you’re looking to bring your ideas to life with industry-standard animation, poly modelling is the way forward.
So, Ready to bring your animation projects to life with the perfect modeling technique? Contact our team today to discuss how we can help you create stunning 3D models tailored to your unique needs!