How to Design Chopsticks using 3D CAD Software
Designing a pair of chopsticks in a 3D modeling program reveals how precision, symmetry, and attention to detail play essential roles in successful digital design. In SelfCAD, an accessible, browser-based platform known for its intuitive toolset, creating chopsticks becomes an ideal exercise in mastering basic geometric modeling. This project requires careful control over proportions, tapering, and surface refinement to ensure that the final model resembles the smooth, balanced form of real chopsticks. By exploring tools such as the cylinder primitive, scaling options, edge smoothing, and alignment features, users gain hands-on experience with fundamental modeling techniques. This article guides readers step-by-step through the design workflow, showing how simple household objects can be transformed into accurate and printable 3D models while building the foundational skills needed for more complex creations
Check out the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/3h1a733h5a5p3r422r6x905f6bk1c1a702c7
Once you launch the editor;
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose 3D Sketch; From the tool panel choose circle, Set number of edges to 64, Click on highlighted point to draw circle
Type in 22 value into the radius measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw circle
Click ‘x’ to close 3D Sketch panel
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to 4.
Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness
Click to activate polygon selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to 4.
Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness
Click move on the toolbar; Click center object button to center object
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose 3D Sketch; From the tool panel choose arc 2, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Click on highlighted point to draw arc
From the tool panel choose line; Click on highlighted point to draw edge
Hold shift and click on highlighted point to draw straight line
Hold shift and click on highlighted point to draw straight line
From the tool panel choose spline; Click on highlighted point to draw spline
Click ‘x’ to close 3D sketch
From the right panel choose cube selection; Set left to 22
Tick the checkmark to finalize cube selection
Click on highlighted region to select it; Click delete button to delete selected objects
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, direction to right,
Tick the checkmark to finalize mirror
From the edit menu on the top toolbar choose merge
From the modify category on the toolbar choose round object; Set smoothness to 3.
Tick the checkmark to finalize round object
From the utilities category on the top toolbar choose geom clean; Set remove duplicates to false, remove inner edges to true
Tick the checkmark to finalize geom clean
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set extrusion amount to 8.
Tick the checkmark to finalize extrusion
From the right panel choose cube selection; Set bottom to 1, top to 7
Tick the checkmark to finalize cube selection
Click on the gear icon to open the advanced selection tools; Set loop selection to true, Click on highlighted edge to select loop from the object
From the modify category on the toolbar choose chamfer; Set intensity to 0.3
Tick the checkmark to finalize chamfer
Click solid button to set rendering mode
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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