Vertices in 3D models CAN get cut in the process of optimizing 3D geometry, (degenerate vertices) by 3D graphics software (Blender, ...) when exporting because they aren't needed when reusing a vertex for multiple triangles. (In the current case 3D data is exported from Blender as .ply and read by a simple application that displays the 3D model) Every vertex has a few attributes like position, color, normal, tangent,... But the data for each vertex that is cut through the vertex sharing is lost and is missing in the vertex shader. Modern shader techniques like Bump or Normal mapping require normals/tangents per vertex which are also cut. To use complex shader techniques IBOs must not be used? Or is there a way to use IBOs and retain the data per vertex that was origionally lost?