Wire-Frame Models:

A wire-frame model of an object is the simplest, but more verbose, geometric model that can be used to represent it mathematically in the computer. This is sometimes referred to as a stick figure or an edge representation of the object. The word "wire-frame" is associated to the fact that one may image a wire that is bent to follow the object edges to generate the model. Typically, a wire-frame model consists entirely of points, lines, arcs and circles, conics, and curves. For example, a user may, with three dimensional (3-D) wire-frame models, enter 3-D vertices, say (x, y, z), and then join the vertices to form a 3-D object. An instance of 3-D object and its wire-frame model are illustrated in Figure. Wire-frame modelling is the most commonly utilized technique and is available in all commercial CAD/CAM systems. Wire-frame modelling is considered a natural extension of traditional methods of drafting. As a result, it does not need extensive training of users; nor does it demand the use of unusual terminology as surfaces and solids.