How to Design a Cross Balls Puzzle using 3D CAD Software
Designing puzzles is a fun way to mix creativity with logical thinking, especially when you can turn an idea into something people can actually see and interact with. The Cross Balls puzzle is an interesting game that challenges players to think carefully as they move pieces across a structured layout. Using SelfCAD makes the 3D designing process easier and more enjoyable, even for beginners, because it provides simple yet powerful tools for 3D modeling. In this article, I will explain how to design a Cross Balls puzzle using SelfCAD, from setting up the basic shapes to refining the final model. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how a simple concept can be developed into a complete and engaging puzzle design
Access the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/5531f282i2y5k5t271m6b3q2z411a2py16z3
Once you launch the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set height to 15
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 12, height to 15, depth to 55, position x to -25, position y to 1, position z to -25, rotation y to 45.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
Click to activate face selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 6.
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
Click scale on the toolbar; Click manual transformation direction button to set transformation direction, Set x to 61, y to 0.5, z to 15.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set operation to pivot, amount of copies to 3, Click copy button to create copies.
Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
Click on mesh 4 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8, 8(1), 8(2), 8(3) to subtract
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose sphere; Set radius to 5, horizontal segments to 50, vertical segments to 50, position x to 6, position y to 5, position z to 6.
Tick the checkmark to finalize sphere
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set operation to pivot, amount of copies to 3, Click copy button to create copies.
Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
Click hide button to hide selected object
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set height to 1, position y to 16.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
From the generators category on the toolbar choose screw & nut generator; Set radius to 2, pitch to 1, rotations to 2, position x to -47, position y to 13, position z to -47
Tick the checkmark to finalize screw & generator
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 2, Bottom radius to 2, height to 1, horizontal segments to 128, position x to -47, position y to 17.5, position z to -47.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set operation to pivot, amount of copies to 3, Click copy button to create copies.
Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
Click on difference 1 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose union 1, 1(1), 1(2), 1(3) to subtract and set keep subtracted object to true
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
Click show button to show all the meshes
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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