How to Design a Corkscrew using 3D CAD Software
Designing a corkscrew is an excellent way to explore how functional design, mechanical thinking, and 3D modeling intersect, making it a valuable learning project for both students and educators. Although it is a common household tool, a corkscrew involves key design elements such as a helical spiral, proper spacing and proportions, ergonomic handling, and structural strength; all of which challenge students to think carefully about form, dimension, and real-world use. In this article, you will learn how to design a corkscrew using SelfCAD, a cloud-based 3D modeling platform that allows users to create, modify, and visualize 3D objects directly in the browser.
To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/2w442z4t4a4s31v5y326s6c1y13131a3u4k2
Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the 3D Shapes Category on the Toolbar choose Spiral Generator; Set Top Radius to 10, Bottom Radius to 5, Bottom thickness to 1, Edges to 34
Click to finalize Spiral Generator
From the 3D Shapes Category on the Toolbar choose Spiral Generator; Set Top Radius to 10, Bottom Radius to 10, Height to 200, Revolutions to 200, Edges to 34, Position y to 41
Click to finalize Spiral Generator
From the 3D Shapes Category on the Toolbar choose Cylinder; Set Top Radius to 5, Bottom Radius to 5, Height to 150, Position y 250
Click to finalize Cylinder
From the 3D Shapes Category on the Toolbar choose Cylinder; Set Top Radius to 20, Bottom Radius to 10, Horizontal segments to 7, Position x to 50, Position y 395, Rotation z to 90
Click to finalize Cylinder
From the Deform Category on the Toolbar choose Inflate; Set Symmetry to true, Set y to 3. Set z to 3
Click ‘x’ to close Transformation panel
Click to activate Edge Selection; Click Selection Settings button to change selection settings. Set Loop selection to true
Click on highlighted edge to select loop from the object
Click ‘x’ to close selection settings panel
From the Modify Category choose Fillet; Set Intensity to 1.6, Level to 5
Click to finalize Fillet
From the Utilities category on the Toolbar choose Mirror; Set Create copy to true. Set Direction to Left
Click to finalize Mirror
Click Move on the Toolbar. Set y to 233 using highlighted gizmo. Set z to -3 using highlighted gizmo. Set x to 10
Click on spiral 1, spiral 2 to select
Click Boolean on the Toolbar. From the Tool panel choose Union
Click to finalize Union
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.
Top comments (0)