How to Design an Orange Peeler using 3D CAD Software
Designing practical objects with 3D modeling software highlights how digital tools can be applied to everyday problems. In SelfCAD, creating functional designs is made accessible through intuitive modeling and parametric-style controls that emphasize precision and usability. This article demonstrates the process of transforming a simple idea into a printable household tool. The orange peeler is used as an example because it combines ergonomic form with functional geometry, requiring careful attention to curves, thickness, and grip. Through this design, the article introduces key SelfCAD tools and techniques while showing how thoughtful modeling can result in a useful, efficient, and ready-to-print object.
Check out the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/1py684k214y35l4145284z4i1w514f4m2e3i
Once you launch the editor;
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose freehand; choose circle, Set height to 14, snap to grid vertices to true, Click on highlighted point to draw circle
Type in 16 value into the radius measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw circle
Set mode to erase, Click on highlighted point to draw circle, Type in 16 value into the radius measurement
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose 3D Sketch; From the tool panel choose arc 2, Set snap to grid vertices to true, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Type in 60 value into the length measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Type in 14 value into the bulge measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Type in 12 value into the bulge measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Click ‘x’ to close 3D Sketch panel
From the tools category on the toolbar choose fill polygons
Click to finalize fill polygons
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to 14.
Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness
Click move on the toolbar; Set x to 0, origin position to back
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose 3D Sketch; From the tool panel choose arc 2, Set symmetry to true, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Type in 1.6 value into the bulge measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
From the tool panel choose line; Click on highlighted point to draw edge
Click ‘x’ to close 3D Sketch panel
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to -14.
Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose freehand; From the tool panel choose line, Set bottom/top plane offset to 6, Click on highlighted point to draw edge
Click Boolean on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.
Tick the checkmark to finalize union
Click inverse selection button to inverse selection, 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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