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

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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.

"From my experience in product design, I know that the main difference is whether or not you are creating surfaces or solids within the design. Surfaces have no thickness, and they can be used to create complex geometries that would be difficult to design using solid modeling techniques. This could be used for a wind turbine blade, for example. Solid modeling is a more general purpose technique that generally uses extrusions, revolves, and sweeps to add and subtract material to create a solid. These can be used together in hybrid modeling to allow for additional contours and the ability to alter each part face individually."

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

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Mechanical Engineer job interview.

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

How to Answer

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.

Written by Jason Toby on October 12th, 2020

Answer Example

"From my experience in product design, I know that the main difference is whether or not you are creating surfaces or solids within the design. Surfaces have no thickness, and they can be used to create complex geometries that would be difficult to design using solid modeling techniques. This could be used for a wind turbine blade, for example. Solid modeling is a more general purpose technique that generally uses extrusions, revolves, and sweeps to add and subtract material to create a solid. These can be used together in hybrid modeling to allow for additional contours and the ability to alter each part face individually."

Written by Jason Toby on October 12th, 2020

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