Understanding Basic Shapes in PlantFCE Model Builder

Basic shapes form the foundation of any 3D model. Model Builder provides a variety of geometric primitives that can be used as building blocks to create complex structures. This guide will cover each shape, its utility, and its customizable settings for geometry and materials.

1. Box

• Description: A six-faced shape with square or rectangular sides.
• Utility: Used for creating objects like buildings, furniture, and machinery bases.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Width, Height, Depth: Specify the dimensions of the box.
  • Segments: Define subdivisions on each axis for finer details.
• Material Settings:
  • Color, texture, and transparency can be customized.

2. Capsule

• Description: A cylinder capped with hemispheres on both ends.
• Utility: Ideal for creating rounded objects like pills, bottles, or handles.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Radius: Define the capsule’s thickness.
  • Length: Set the height of the cylindrical portion.
  • Segments: Control the smoothness of the hemispherical caps.
• Material Settings: Adjust for shininess or matte finishes.

3. Circle

• Description: A flat, round, 2D shape.
• Utility: Useful for creating flat bases, discs, and circular patterns.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Radius: Specify the circle’s size.
  • Segments: Increase for smoother edges.
• Material Settings: Apply textures for effects like patterns or colors.

4. Cylinder

• Description: A shape with circular ends and a straight side connecting them.
• Utility: Used for pipes, columns, and containers.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Radius Top and Bottom: Adjust for tapered cylinders.
  • Height: Define the cylinder’s length.
  • Radial and Height Segments: Fine-tune smoothness and detail.
• Material Settings: Add reflective or textured surfaces for realism.

5. Dodecahedron

• Description: A twelve-faced shape with pentagonal sides.
• Utility: Commonly used in geometry-based designs or decorative items.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Radius: Set the overall size.
• Material Settings: Create metallic or translucent effects.

6. Icosahedron

• Description: A twenty-faced shape with triangular sides.
• Utility: Suitable for spherical approximations and artistic designs.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Radius: Define the size.
  • Detail: Increase for a smoother appearance.
• Material Settings: Ideal for jewel-like textures.

7. Lathe

• Description: A shape created by rotating a 2D curve around an axis.
• Utility: Useful for objects like vases, bowls, and candlesticks.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Points: Define the profile of the shape.
  • Segments: Control the rotational smoothness.
• Material Settings: Add gloss for ceramic or metallic finishes.

8. Octahedron

• Description: An eight-faced shape with triangular sides.
• Utility: Great for decorative items or abstract models.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Radius: Specify the size.
  • Detail: Smooth the surface.
• Material Settings: Enhance with vivid or gradient colors.

9. Plane

• Description: A flat, two-dimensional surface.
• Utility: Serves as a base, wall, or canvas for textures.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Width and Height: Define the dimensions.
  • Segments: Subdivide for additional detail.
• Material Settings: Apply textures for scenes or environments.

10. Ring

• Description: A flat, toroidal shape.
• Utility: Used for creating rings, washers, or circular frames.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Inner and Outer Radius: Adjust the thickness.
  • Segments: Smooth the edges.
• Material Settings: Add metallic or matte finishes.

11. Sphere

• Description: A perfectly round 3D shape.
• Utility: Essential for creating balls, planets, or rounded objects.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Radius: Define the size.
  • Segments: Adjust for smoothness.
• Material Settings: Apply reflective or textured surfaces.

12. Sprite

• Description: A 2D image rendered in 3D space.
• Utility: Used for flat representations like icons or background elements.
• Geometry Settings: None (image-based).
• Material Settings: Adjust opacity and blend modes.

13. Tetrahedron

• Description: A four-faced shape with triangular sides.
• Utility: Often used in geometric designs or low-poly models.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Radius: Specify the size.
  • Detail: Smooth the edges.
• Material Settings: Add textures or solid colors.

14. Torus

• Description: A donut-shaped ring.
• Utility: Ideal for tires, rings, or decorative objects.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Radius and Tube: Define the outer and inner thickness.
  • Radial and Tubular Segments: Fine-tune smoothness.
• Material Settings: Add glossy or rubber-like textures.

15. Torus Knot

• Description: A complex knot shape formed by twisting a torus.
• Utility: Used in artistic or decorative designs.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Radius and Tube: Control size and thickness.
  • P and Q: Adjust the number of twists and loops.
  • Segments: Smooth the surface.
• Material Settings: Enhance with metallic or iridescent textures.

16. Tube

• Description: A hollow cylinder created from a path.
• Utility: Perfect for pipes, tubes, or curved structures.
• Geometry Settings:
  • Path: Define the curve.
  • Radius: Adjust the thickness.
  • Segments: Control smoothness along the path.
• Material Settings: Apply textures for metals or plastics.

Adding a Basic Shape to the Scene

To add a basic shape to the scene click Add > Mesh. Select the shape to add it to the scene. Set the name, position, rotation, scale, geometry, and material properties of the shape.

Conclusion

These basic shapes and their settings empower users to create a wide variety of models in Model Builder. Experimenting with geometry and material properties enables creativity and customization, forming the basis for complex designs.