introduction to 3d modelling
This page is mainly about 3.17_introduction_to_3d_modelling
Module introduction
Have you ever wanted to build something that exists only in your imagination and then hold it in your hands? In this module, you'll discover the incredible power of 3D modelling, the art of creating three-dimensional objects in a virtual world. This journey will take you from the basics of shaping simple digital blocks to being able to confidently design your own unique creations. By the end of this module, you will have the power to turn a simple idea into a digital model, ready to be brought into the real world with a 3D printer.
Why does this module matter?
Learning to think and create in three dimensions is a superpower in the modern world. It’s the skill that brings video game characters to life, helps architects design breathtaking buildings, and allows engineers to invent life-saving medical devices. This isn't just about making digital models; it's about learning to solve problems, think creatively, and turn your vision into a reality.
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For you
This module will help you develop several key computing personas:
The Creative Technologist: This persona is all about using technology for artistic expression. You will use 3D modelling software as your digital workshop to design and build unique objects, turning your creative ideas into virtual and even physical artefacts.
The Technician: This persona connects the digital world to the physical one. You'll learn how a 3D model is prepared for a 3D printer, bridging the gap between a design on a screen and a tangible object you can hold, which is a core skill in modern manufacturing and prototyping.
The Modeller: At its heart, 3D modelling is a form of abstraction. You will learn to create simplified representations of real-world objects by combining and manipulating basic shapes like cubes, spheres, and cylinders to manage and build complex designs.
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For your future
The skills you learn in this module are the starting point for many exciting and in-demand careers. One of the most direct pathways is to become a 3D Artist.
Career focus: A 3D Artist (or 3D Modeller) builds the 3D models, characters, and environments you see in video games, animated films, architectural visualisations, and advertisements. They use specialised software to sculpt digital objects, apply textures, and prepare them for animation or printing.
Key Skills: This module will develop your foundational skills in manipulating 3D objects in a virtual space, combining primitive shapes to create complex forms, and understanding the technical requirements for exporting a model for 3D printing. [995, 996]
Interesting facts: The first feature-length computer-animated film, Toy Story, took 800,000 machine hours to render. Today, 3D modelling is used for more than just entertainment; surgeons use custom 3D-printed models to practice complex operations, and NASA uses 3D printing to create tools and parts on the International Space Station.
Our Learning Journey
Our journey will begin by exploring the 3D virtual workspace, learning how to navigate and control simple shapes. We will then learn how to combine these basic building blocks to create more complex and interesting models. You will master techniques for cutting, joining, and shaping your creations before applying all of these skills to a final project: designing your very own personalised object. Finally, we will discover how a digital design makes the leap into the physical world through the exciting process of 3D printing, preparing you to evaluate and share your amazing work.
Last modified: July 21st, 2025
