How to Design a Prism Using 3D CAD Software

How to Design a Prism Using 3D CAD Software
Prisms are fundamental geometric shapes found across design, engineering, architecture, and education. They serve a wide range of purposes; from demonstrating light refraction in science classes to forming the structural basis of complex 3D models. Understanding how to create prisms in a 3D modeling environment lays the groundwork for mastering more advanced design principles.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to design a prism using SelfCAD, an intuitive, browser-based 3D modeling tool that combines simplicity with versatility. We’ll cover the entire process; from defining the base polygon and setting the height, to adjusting angles and preparing the model for 3D printing or further modification. Along the way, you'll become familiar with key modeling features like extrusion, edge control, and object alignment.
To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/46xb2z231oh1031u2065p4t5s162w525m1f6

Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cone; Set radius to 80, height to 80, horizontal segments to 4, rotation y to 45.

Tick the checkmark finalize cone
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click silver

Click ok
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set height to 8, depth to 8, position x to -70, position y to 24, rotation z to 5

Tick the checkmark finalize cube
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set height to 5, depth to 8, position x to 70

Tick the checkmark finalize cube
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 0.5.

Tick the checkmark to finalize inset
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to -1.

Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set y to 5, amount of copies to 6, Click copy button to create copies.

From the edit menu on the top toolbar choose union
From the deform category on the toolbar choose taper; Set origin layer to middle, plane to left/right, y to 120

Click on mesh 8 to select it
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click white

Click ok
Click on mesh 4 to select it
Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8, union 1 to subtract and set keep subtracted object to true

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
Click on mesh 8, difference 1 to deselect
Click to activate polygon selection; Click on highlighted region to select it

Click color picker button to change color of object; Click red

Click ok
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click orange

Click ok
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click yellow

Click ok
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click green

Click ok
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click blue

Click ok
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click picker button to use custom color; Type in #4b0082 value into the color picker input

Click ok
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click picker button to use custom color; Type in #7F00FF value into the color picker input

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