How to Design a Levitating Spinning Top using 3D CAD Software
Designing a levitating spinning top in SelfCAD brings together creativity, precision, and an understanding of how shapes interact in three-dimensional space. Although the object itself is small, its structure involves a combination of smooth curves, balanced proportions, and a form that visually suggests motion even when it’s standing still. In SelfCAD, this kind of project becomes especially engaging because the platform’s 3D designing tools allow you to shape, refine, and adjust every contour with care. This article explains how to design a levitating spinning top step by step, showing how SelfCAD’s features make it possible to turn a concept rooted in playful engineering into a polished and visually striking 3D model.
Check out the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/1k313g3m26342n237246h5x1k4qn1441m1b4
Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose sphere; Set radius to 5, horizontal segments to 50, vertical segments to 50.
Tick the checkmark to finalize sphere
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 2, Bottom radius to 2, height to 50, horizontal segments to 50, position x to -25, position y to 8, , rotation z to 90.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click scale on the toolbar; Set y to 0.99 using highlighted gizmo
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose capsule; Set top radius to 2, Bottom radius to 1, height to 25, position y to 15.
Tick the checkmark to finalize capsule
Click on mesh 8 to select it. Click on mesh 12 to deselect
Click copy button to copy selected objects; Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 15, x to 25
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the deform category on the toolbar choose taper; Set plane to left/right, z to 125
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose torus; Set tube radius to 5, tubular segments to 128, position y to 6.
Tick the checkmark to finalize torus
Click on mesh 8, 8(1) to select. Click on mesh 16 to deselect; Set opacity to 25
Click on mesh 12 to select it. Click on mesh 8(1), 8 to deselect
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click purple.
Click ok
Click on mesh 4 to select it. Click on mesh 12 to deselect
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click red.
Click ok
Click on mesh 16 to select it. Click on mesh 4 to deselect
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click gold.
Click ok
From the edit menu on the top toolbar click select all
Click Boolean on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.
Tick the checkmark 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
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