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Juliana Misiko
Juliana Misiko

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How to Design a Chain Mail using 3D CAD Software

How to Design a Chain Mail using 3D CAD Software
Designing a chain mail might seem tricky at first, but with SelfCAD, it becomes a fun and interesting project to try out. Chain mail is made up of lots of small linked rings, and creating it in 3D is a great way to learn about patterns, repetition, and precision. Using SelfCAD’s simple tools and features, you can design your own realistic chain mail piece step by step; from making the first ring to connecting them into a full sheet. In this article, I’ll show you how to design a chain mail using SelfCAD and explain some tips to make the process smoother. By the end, you’ll see how 3D modeling can turn something complex into something surprisingly simple and enjoyable.
Learn along with the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/36302m583369s5c4c6u1n4a316n5n82c4o6d

Once you launch the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose torus; Set ring radius to 5, tube radius to 1, rotation x to 45.


Tick the checkmark to finalize torus
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set x to 11, amount of copies to 4, Click copy button to create copies.


Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
Click Boolean on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.


Tick the checkmark to finalize union
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set z to 7, amount of copies to 4, Click copy button to create copies.


Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, offset to -18


Tick the checkmark to finalize mirror
Click move on the toolbar; Set x to 16.5, z to 10.5


Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.
More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace

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