> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ntop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Methods for creating solid meshes

## Objective:

Learn how to create a solid mesh.

## Applies to:

* Exporting, Manufacturing, Analysis, Topology Optimization

## Procedure:

To build a solid mesh you need to start off with a [surface mesh](/help-articles/knowledge-base/meshing-workflows/methods-for-creating-surface-meshes). Depending on the complexity of your part, you may want to [refine](/help-articles/knowledge-base/meshing-workflows/methods-for-refining-meshes) your mesh before converting it to a solid mesh to avoid longer computing times and processing errors. If you are going to be running an FEA analysis, you need to create a solid mesh in order to create an FE mesh.

Once your part is refined, there are two blocks available to create a solid mesh from, Volume Mesh and Robust Tetrahedral Mesh.

#### **Volume Mesh**

Is the preferred method for simple geometry, as it is speedy but less tolerant of defects. Volume Mesh may also work after taking steps to repair input errors. If you get an error while using Volume Mesh, you may want to use the Robust Tetrahedral Mesh instead.

| **Pros** | **Cons**                                                               |
| -------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| - Fast   | - Can only handle simple geometry - Not very tolerant of input defects |

#### **Robust Tetrahedral Mesh**

Is exceptionally tolerant of low-quality inputs and ensures FEA quality elements. While this technique is remarkably robust, speed is a tradeoff.

| **Pros**                   | **Cons** |
| -------------------------- | -------- |
| - Can handle complex parts | - Slow   |

No matter which solid mesh block you are using, you want to keep the **Edge Length** the same for the **input** and the **solid** mesh if you are using the **Remesh Surface** block (recommended for easier conversion). This allows the tetrahedrons to be computed faster.

![A comparison between the Remesh Surface, Robust Tetrahedral Mesh, and Volume Mesh blocks. The Robust Tetrahedral Mesh block is visualized showing a meshed torus](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/meshing-workflows/360102010774.png)

Are you still having issues? Contact the [support team](https://support.ntopology.com/hc/en-us/requests/new), and we'll be happy to help!

## Download the Example File:

* [Example File](https://files.learn.ntop.com/Support%20Article%20Example%20Files/Knowledge%20Base/Meshing/Solid%20Mesh%20of%20Implicit%20Body.ntop)

## Keywords:

*error mesh volume meshing fe solid refine tetrahedral robust methods*