How to Design an Oloid Shape using 3D CAD Software
Exploring unique geometric forms is a great way to build both technical skill and creative confidence in 3D modeling, and the oloid is a perfect example. Known for its smooth, continuous surface and intriguing rolling motion, an oloid may look complex at first, but it can be broken down into simple steps that beginners can follow. With SelfCAD, a user-friendly and accessible 3D design tool, creating this fascinating shape becomes much more approachable. In this article, you’ll learn how to design an oloid from scratch, gaining hands-on experience with essential modeling techniques while working on a shape that is both mathematically interesting and visually engaging.
Check out its interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/5p1711606uv1o114ra6ww5y2t4v5p2he42p1
Once you launch the editor;
From the 3D Sketch category on the toolbar choose 3D Sketch; From the tool panel choose arc 1, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Type in 50 value into the radius measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Type in 120 value into the angle measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
From the tool panel choose line; Click on highlighted point to draw edge
Click on highlighted point to draw edge
Click ‘x’ to close 3D Sketch
Click copy button to copy selected objects
Click rotate on the toolbar; Set x to -270, y to 180
Click move on the toolbar; Set z to 0.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click on profile 1 to select it
From the tools category on the toolbar choose bridge
Tick the checkmark to finalize bridge
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true,
Tick the checkmark to finalize mirror
Click on mesh 1(1) to select
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, direction to bottom.
Click on mesh 1(2), 1(3) to select
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose combine; Set method to merge
Tick the checkmark to finalize combine
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose geom clean
Click on profile 1(1), to select. Click on mesh 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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