How to Design a Circular Aid Pencil using 3D CAD Software
3D designing everyday objects can be just as creative and exciting as making games or puzzles, especially when those objects solve simple problems in smart ways. A circular aid pencil is a helpful tool designed to make writing more comfortable and controlled, particularly for users who need extra grip support. With the help of SelfCAD, turning this idea into a 3D model becomes straightforward and enjoyable, even for beginners. This article explains how to design a circular aid pencil using SelfCAD, covering the main steps from creating the basic shape to refining the details. By following this process, designers can see how digital tools can be used to create practical, user-friendly products
Access the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/5y2i2w55n251sw1v2p4b5873m2n2u5h624e6
Once you launch the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose capsule; Set top radius to 1, height to 150, rotation z to 180
Tick the checkmark to finalize capsule
Click cube selection on the toolbar; Set left to 20, right to 30
Tick the checkmark to finalize cube selection
Click inverse selection button to inverse selection; Click delete button to delete selected objects
From the tools category on the toolbar choose fill polygons
Tick the checkmark to finalize fill polygons
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 15, Bottom radius to 15, horizontal segments to 128, position y to 110, rotation z to 90.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click on mesh 4 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8 to subtract and set keep subtracted object to true
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
Click on difference 1 to deselect
Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 35, y to 35, z to 35.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click on difference 1 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose difference 1 to subtract and set keep subtracted object to true
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
From the generators category on the toolbar choose screw & nut generator; Set radius to 10, pitch to 4, segments to 150, rotations to 7, position x to -3, position y to 115, rotation z to 90
Tick the checkmark to finalize screw & generator
Click on difference 2 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose screw 1 to subtract and set keep subtracted object to true
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 20, Bottom radius to 20, height to 5, horizontal segments to 128, position x to -21, position y to 105, rotation z to 90.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click isolate button to isolate selected objects
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 3, Bottom radius to 3, height to 150, horizontal segments to 6, position x to 10, position y to 10
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click on difference 3 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 16 to subtract and set keep subtracted object to true.
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
Click on difference 4 to deselect
Click to activate polygon selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 7.
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 0.5, z to 0.5
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click show all button to show all objects
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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