Discover the Mesh of a 3D Model: Quads and Tris Explained

Understand the essentials of 3D modeling? Dive into the world of meshes, quads and tris and how they are used in Blender3D and Fusion360.

In this blog post, we unfold the intriguing world of 3D modeling. We explain what a mesh of a 3D model is and look at the differences between quads and tris. All this viewed in the context of two major 3D modeling tools, Blender3D and Fusion360. This guide is essential for anyone interested in learning 3D modeling and improving their skills.

October 27, 2023

What is a Mesh in 3D Modeling?

A mesh in 3D modeling is a collection of vertices, edges and faces that define the shape of a 3D model. It acts as a visual skeleton that defines the final shape of the object. By manipulating these parts, we can create complex and detailed 3D models.

Mesh constructed from quads in blender3D

 

Quads and Tris: What's the Difference?

Quads and tris refer to the type of polygons used to form the mesh. Quads, as the name suggests, are polygons with four sides. Tris, on the other hand, are triangular polygons. The choice of quads or tris depends mainly on the requirements of the project and the tools you use.

Tris mesh of a 3d model after export in STL format

 

Quads and Tris in Blender3D and Fusion360

Both Blender3D and Fusion360 are excellent tools for 3D modeling. Blender3D tends to prefer quads because of its comprehensive set of modeling tools and its ability to take advantage of loops and rings. Fusion360, on the other hand, is a parametric modeling program and can efficiently handle tris, making it ideal for designing complex, engineering parts.

Topology of a 3d model

In Blender 3D, "topology" refers to the structure of the mesh. The arrangement and structure of vertices, edges and planes in a 3D model. Good topology is essential for creating models that deform correctly during animation and produce smooth and realistic results when rendering.

More info on topology in blender3D:

More info on tris mesh converting for editing in fusion360:

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