How to Design a Tree Style Coaster using 3D CAD Software
Designing a tree-style coaster is an exciting way to combine creativity with practical 3D modeling skills. Using SelfCAD, a powerful and user-friendly design software, beginners and experienced designers can transform simple ideas into detailed, functional objects. A tree-style coaster not only serves a practical purpose but also adds a natural, artistic touch to everyday items. This article explores the step-by-step process of designing such a coaster in SelfCAD, highlighting the essential tools, techniques, and creative considerations involved in bringing a nature-inspired concept to life.
Follow along with the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/3k6q3o3h50c3so161aed6q6u4634l6i64216
Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set height to 15, horizontal segments to 50
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click to activate polygon selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
Click to activate edge selection;
From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 5, level to 10.
Tick the checkmark to finalize fillet
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 10, height to 150, depth to 10, position y to 14.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
Click to activate face selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 5, z to 5.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 25, Bottom radius to 25, height to 5, horizontal segments to 50, position y to 25, position z to 20, , rotation x to -25.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click to activate polygon selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
Click to activate edge selection
From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 2, level to 5, bevel offset to 1
Tick the checkmark to finalize fillet
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set operation to scale, x to -5, z to -5, amount of copies to 2, Click copy button to create copies.
Set y to 15, Click add option to add next macro step, operation to pivot, Click copy button to create copies
Click on mesh 8 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose group 1 to subtract and set keepsubtractedobject to true
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
Click on mesh 8 to deselect; From the edit menu choose ungroup
Click on mesh 8, 4 to select. Click on mesh 12, 12(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) to deselect
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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