Wire-frame model

In <a href="/facts/3D_computer_graphics/zlWW6eaF">3D computer graphics</a>, a wire-frame model (also spelled wireframe model) is a visual representation of a <a href="/facts/Three-dimensional/KAqKWUbS">three-dimensional</a> (3D) physical object. It is based on a <a href="/facts/Polygon_mesh/6WLD80ER">polygon mesh</a> or a <a href="/facts/Volumetric_mesh/4Y171FIK">volumetric mesh</a>, created by specifying each <a href="/facts/Edge_(geometry)/3lFN6sEz">edge</a> of the physical object where two mathematically continuous smooth surfaces meet, or by connecting an object's constituent <a href="/facts/Vertex_(computer_graphics)/lj0ltT3g">vertices</a> using (straight) <a href="/facts/Straight_line/gJqsr4Gj">lines</a> or <a href="/facts/Curve_(geometry)/xBQ0pTBW">curves</a>. 
The object is projected into <a href="/facts/Screen_space/GfIomenN">screen space</a> and <a href="/facts/Rendering_(computer_graphics)/YYxfnmAq">rendered</a> by drawing lines at the location of each edge. The term "wire frame" comes from designers using <a href="/facts/Metal_wire/yyy05H1S">metal wire</a> to represent the three-dimensional shape of solid objects. 3D wireframe computer models allow for the construction and manipulation of solids and solid surfaces. 3D <a href="/facts/Solid_modeling/12J69aud">solid modeling</a> efficiently draws higher quality representations of solids than conventional <a href="/facts/Line_art/eEf9bAuA">line drawing</a>.
Using a wire-frame model allows for the visualization of the underlying design structure of a 3D model. Traditional two-dimensional views and drawings/renderings can be created by the appropriate rotation of the object, and the selection of <a href="/facts/Hidden-line_removal/oflyG52x">hidden-line removal</a> via <a href="/facts/Clip_plane/AzNloK13">cutting planes</a>.
Since wire-frame renderings are relatively simple and fast to calculate, they are often used in cases where a relatively high screen <a href="/facts/Frame_rate/sbRkc9xa">frame rate</a> is needed (for instance, when working with a particularly complex <a href="/facts/3D_model/6V3Ry9AJ">3D model</a>, or in <a href="/facts/Real-time_computing/p9HxgL4L">real-time systems</a> that model <a href="/facts/Exterior_(topology)/qA5bnjxm">exterior</a> phenomena). 
When greater graphical detail is desired, surface <a href="/facts/Texture_mapping/9gDTsuXN">textures</a> can be added automatically after the completion of the initial rendering of the wire frame. This allows a designer to quickly review solids, or rotate objects to different views without the long delays associated with more realistic <a href="/facts/Rendering_(computer_graphics)/YYxfnmAq">rendering</a>, or even the processing of faces and simple <a href="/facts/Flat_shading/ewcDEfda">flat shading</a>.
The wire frame format is also well-suited and widely used in programming tool paths for <a href="/facts/Direct_numerical_control/C2z2BtQD">direct numerical control</a> (DNC) <a href="/facts/Machine_tools/XPHaqz0p">machine tools</a>.
Hand-drawn wire-frame-like illustrations date back as far as the <a href="/facts/Italian_Renaissance/BqPWuNmz">Italian Renaissance</a>. Wire-frame models were also used extensively in <a href="/facts/Video_game/vmTdNASJ">video games</a> to represent 3D objects during the 1980s and early 1990s, when "properly" filled 3D objects would have been too complex to calculate and draw with the computers of the time. Wire-frame models are also used as the input for <a href="/facts/Computer-aided_manufacturing/gqYHXcK9">computer-aided manufacturing</a> (CAM).
There are three main types of 3D <a href="/facts/Computer-aided_design/5gSXrmmN">computer-aided design</a> (CAD) models; wire frame is the most abstract and least realistic. The other types are <a href="/facts/Surface/0XA8ce89">surface</a> and solid. The wire-frame method of modelling consists of only lines and curves that connect the points or vertices and thereby define the edges of an object.

Wire-frame model open-in-new

Wire-frame model