Subdivision Surface (SubD)
A geometric representation generated by iteratively refining a control mesh using a subdivision rule (Catmull-Clark, Loop). Each iteration applies edge and vertex point calculations that converge to a smooth, limit surface. SubD is topologically flexible — a single control mesh can represent closed surfaces of arbitrary genus (handles, holes) without the seam management required by NURBS patches.
Why it matters
SubD bridges concept sculpting (where topological freedom matters) and NURBS Class-A refinement (where surface quality matters). Tools like Rhino 8's SubD workspace, Fusion 360 Form, Blender, and Maya use SubD as the primary concept design environment. SubD is inherently better for organic, artistic surfaces but lacks the dimensional constraints of parametric MCAD, making it unsuitable for engineering documentation without conversion to B-rep or parametric features.
Related concepts
External References
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Cite this definition
Finocchiaro, Michael. “Subdivision Surface (SubD).” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/subdivision-surface-subd