Mechanical Engineer Mock Interview

Master 37 Mechanical Engineer interview questions covering thermodynamics, CAD proficiency, and design problem-solving.

Question 23 of 37

In CAD Design, what is 'surface modeling,' and what makes it different from 'solid modeling?'

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Jason Toby
Jason Toby

Jason is a freelance mechanical engineer specializing in 3D Printing and CNC Machining.

If you are a candidate for a design role, or a position where Computer Aided Design (CAD) software will be used, you may be asked about your experience working with different modeling methods. Surface modeling and solid modeling are two different techniques used in CAD work, with the difference being whether or not you are creating surfaces or solids. Surfaces have no thickness, and were developed for the automotive and aerospace industries for contoured parts such as turbine blades and car bodies. Solid models have a thickness to them, and they are used for general manufacturing of parts like engine blocks, machine shafts and gears. When these methods are used together, they are known as hybrid modeling; they can be used to create intricate parts with the added capabilities of surface modeling.

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