How to Design a Toy Knife Using 3D CAD Software
Designing your own toys can be a fun way to learn 3D modeling while also making something playful and creative. A toy knife is a simple project, but it’s also a great way to practice working with shapes and tools in SelfCAD. Since the design is just for fun and not meant to be sharp or dangerous, you can focus on experimenting with the look and style without worrying too much about complexity. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to design a toy knife using SelfCAD, showing how easy it is to take a basic idea and turn it into a digital 3D model.
The interactive tutorial to this article can be accessed at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/2m1o61q2c173h132x6x724c6xj55p1h4h621
Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set height to 5, depth to 30, position x to 50.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
Click to activate edge selection;
Click on highlighted region to select it; From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set level to 10.
Tick the checkmark to finalize fillet
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set height to 3, depth to 25, position x to -55, position y to 1.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 10, height to 3, depth to 20, position x to -3, position y to 1.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
Click on highlighted region to select it; From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 12, level to 10.
Tick the checkmark to finalize fillet
Click highlighted part on selection cube to turn off region selection
Click on mesh 12 to select it; Click Boolean on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.
Tick the checkmark to finalize union
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose 3D Sketch; Set number of edges to 10, Click on highlighted point to draw edge
Click on highlighted point to draw edge
Click ‘x’ to close 3D Sketch panel
From the modify category on the toolbar choose resolution; Set detail level to 4.
Tick the checkmark to finalize inset
Click to activate vertex selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
Click move on the toolbar; Set z to 22.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click to activate edge selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
Click delete button to delete selected objects
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose 3D Sketch; Click on highlighted point to draw edge
Click on highlighted point to draw edge
Click ‘x’ to close 3D Sketch panel
From the modify category on the toolbar choose round object; Set smoothness to 3.
Tick the checkmark to finalize round object
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness.
Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness
From the deform category on the toolbar choose taper; Set origin layer to middle, origin position to back, plane to back/front, y to -100.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click move on the toolbar; Set z to 13, y to 1, x to -55
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click solid button to set rendering mode
Click on union 1 to select it; Click Boolean on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.
Tick the checkmark to finalize union
Click move on the toolbar; Set x to -47
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click on mesh 4 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose union 2 to subtract, and set keepsubtractedobject to true.
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
Click on profile 1 to select it. Click on union 2, difference 1 to deselect; Click delete button to delete selected objects
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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