What is Solid modeling
Solid modeling is the most powerful of the 3-D modeling technique. It provides the user with complete information about the model. Defining an object with a solid model is the easiest of the available three modelling techniques (curves, surfaces and solids). Solid models can be quickly created without having to define individual locations as with wire-frames, unlike wire-frame and surface models, which contain only geometric data. Solid models contain both geometric and topological information of the object. Some of the potential advantages of solid modeling are :
(i) Mass properties such as area, volume, weight, centre of gravity and moment of inertia can be determined quickly.
(ii) It allows the design engineer to develop and evaluate alternative concepts for parts and assemblies while the design is still a theoretical model. Solid models are non-ambiguous.
(iii) Cross sections can be cut through the three-dimensional models with colour used to identify and highlight different materials and various other features.
(iv) It helps in interference checking of moving parts and the action of moving parts in three-dimensions in complex assemblies.
(v) It is useful for preparing the technical illustrations used in manuals and other documentation because solid modeling can produce very impressive visual displays of objects, using perspective, colour shading and highlighting to create images of photographic quality.