How to Design a Spinning Rocket Balance Toy Using 3D CAD Software
Designing a spinning rocket balance toy is a fun way to combine creativity, engineering, and 3D modeling. In this article, we’ll explore how to design this unique toy using SelfCAD, an easy-to-use 3D modeling platform that makes it simple to transform creative ideas into functional 3D models. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, this project offers an engaging way to develop your modeling skills while creating an interactive toy that can spin smoothly and capture the excitement of a rocket launch
Follow along with the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/5l4j3a122e6d544x2j4r3x1w5w3b1171s2z2
Once you launch the editor;
From the generators category on the toolbar choose shape generator; Set top radius to 15, bottom radius to 25, number of edges to 64, height to 15,
Click + button to add new segment; Set top radius to 3, bottom radius to 12,, height to 20.
Tick the checkmark to finalize shape generator
From the generators category on the toolbar choose spiral generator; Set top radius to 4, bottom radius to 4, height to 200, edges to 1, position y to 34
Tick the checkmark to finalize spiral generator
Click scale on the toolbar; Set y to 40 using highlighted gizmo.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set y to 40, amount of copies to 6, Click copy button to create copies.
From the edit menu on the toolbar choose merge
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose 3D Sketch; From the tool panel choose circle; Click on highlighted point to draw circle
Type in 0.5 value into the radius measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw circle
Click on spiral 1 to select
From the tools category on the toolbar choose follow path; Set mode to extrude, direction to bottom/top
Tick the checkmark to finalize follow path
Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 30
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 1, Bottom radius to 1, position y to 297, rotation z to 90.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set height to 1, horizontal segments to 50, arc to 90, , position x to -125, rotation y to 45.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 49, Bottom radius to 49, height to 1, horizontal segments to 50, arc to 45, , position x to -125, rotation y to 90, rotation z to 90.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click on mesh 13 to select
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 1 Bottom radius to 1, height to 20, position x to -95, rotation z to 90.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click move on the toolbar; Set x to -49, z to -32, y to 297.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true,
Tick the checkmark to finalize mirror
Click move on the toolbar; Set x to 49 using highlighted gizmo.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click on mesh 21(1), 17(1), 13(1), 9, 5 to select
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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