How to Design a Spiral Spring Toy using 3D CAD Software
Creating a spiral spring toy is a great way to explore 3D design while having some fun at the same time. Using SelfCAD, an easy-to-use online 3D modeling tool, you can design your own version of this classic toy step by step. SelfCAD’s simple layout and powerful features make it perfect for building shapes that twist, bend, and stretch, just like a real spring toy. In this article, I’ll show you how to design a spiral spring toy from start to finish, including shaping the coils, adjusting the size, and preparing it for 3D printing. By the end, you’ll not only have a cool design to show off but also a better understanding of how 3D modeling works
For the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/584j6a2x5rs4s2w4m512e2t4g6u661p4a3kg
Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the generators category on the toolbar choose spiral generator; Set edges to 1
Tick the checkmark to finalize spiral generator
Click scale on the toolbar; Set y to 5 using highlighted gizmo
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set y to 5, amount of copies to 50, Click copy button to create copies.
Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
From the edit menu on the toolbar choose merge
From the deform category on the toolbar choose bend; Set origin layer to middle, x to 180.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click rotate on the toolbar; Set z to 270.
Click move on the toolbar; Click center object button to center object
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the 3D Sketch category on the toolbar choose 3D Sketch; From the tool panel choose circle
Click on spiral 1 to deselect; Click on highlighted point to draw circle
Type 1 in value into the radius measurement; Click on highlighted point to draw circle
Click ‘x’ to close 3D Sketch
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 on profile 1, spiral 1 to select. Click on mesh 1 to deselect; Click delete button to delete selected object
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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