How to Design a Clock Using 3D CAD Software
Designing a clock might sound complicated, but with SelfCAD, it’s actually a fun and creative project that anyone can try. SelfCAD is an online 3D design program that makes it easy to turn your ideas into real, printable models without needing a ton of experience. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to design a simple clock using SelfCAD, from planning out the basic shape to adding details and getting it ready for 3D printing. By the end, you’ll see how designing in 3D can be both practical and a great way to express your creativity.
To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/6mq094i3j2q3i3z4b5mp6b6y4y2b5d3n4b5o
Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the generators category on the toolbar choose shape generator; Set top radius to 20, bottom radius to 20, number of edges to 32, height to 6.
Click + button to add new segment; Set top radius to 8, bottom radius to 8, height to 3
Click + button to add new segment; Set top radius to 6, bottom radius to 6, height to 40, bevel segment to 0.2, bevel level to 3
Click + button to add new segment; Set top radius to 4, bottom radius to 6, height to 145
Tick the checkmark to finalize shape generator
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 40, Bottom radius to 40, height to 20, position y to 200, rotation x to 90.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click to activate polygon selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose inset; Set inset amount to 2.
Tick the checkmark to finalize inset
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to -2.
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
From the right panel choose materials; Set settings to textures, texture category to custom, Click add image button to load new image.
Click load image from tutorial button to add image, Click dial.jpg button to apply texture
Set settings to uv, uv generate mode to unwrapping, Click unwrap button to generate uv
Set transformation to rotate
Drag highlighted gizmo to highlighted point to rotate profile
Set transformation to scale, Drag highlighted gizmo to highlighted point to scale profile
Tick the checkmark to finalize materials.
Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection
Click on shape 1 to select it; From the edit menu on the toolbar choose union
Click to activate material selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click black.
Click ok
Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection
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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