Wire Frame v. Solid Model
Wire frame and solid models give visual renderings of 3D objects for computer-aided design and manufacturing programs. The main difference between wire frame and solid models concern the amount of surface detail.
Wire Frame:
- Just the outlines of the 3D object with information about the edges, nodes, and vertexes
- Transparent: no coloring or solid fill
- No indication of material thickness
- No provision for bend allowances
- No detail on hole specifics (i.e. countersink, thread, etc.)
- Files are light in size and regenerate easily on the screen

Solid Model:
- More detailed and realistic representation of an object
- Not transparent: include information about edges, nodes, and vertexes in addition to coloring, solid fill, surface features, and volume
- Material type still needs to be added in the notes
- Welding fillets typically not shown
- Files are larger than wire frame files and regenerate less easily
