How to Design Tensegrity Floating Structure using 3D CAD Software
Tensegrity structures are some of the coolest designs out there. They look like they’re floating or defying gravity, but they’re actually held together by a perfect balance of tension and compression. For this project, I used SelfCAD to create my own version of a tensegrity floating structure. It was a fun way to explore how geometry, balance, and design all work together in 3D modeling. What makes these structures so interesting is how light and futuristic they look, even though the idea behind them is based on simple physics. This project helped me understand not only the design process in SelfCAD but also the clever engineering that makes tensegrity structures stand out.
Access the interactive tutorial to this article at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/4l3t5o1xu313o61m532x622t1w50762i3k2g
Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set height to 10
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose the L Shape; Set height to 15, front width to 15, side width to 15, side length to 50, position x to -10, position y to 10, rotation x to 90
Tick the checkmark to finalize L shape
Click on mesh 4 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.
Tick the checkmark to finalize union
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, direction to top, offset to -30.
Tick the checkmark to finalize mirror
Click rotate on the toolbar; Set y to -180.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the generators category on the toolbar choose screw & nut generator; Set radius to 5, pitch to 1, segments to 50, rotations to 15, position y to 110
Tick the checkmark to finalize screw & nut generator
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 8, height to 2, depth to 1, position y to 127.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
Click on screw 1 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.
Tick the checkmark to finalize union
Click on union 1(1) 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 difference 1 to deselect
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, direction to bottom, offset to 15.
Tick the checkmark to finalize mirror
Click on union 1 to select
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
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 1, Bottom radius to 1, height to 30, position y to 80.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 11, Bottom radius to 1, height to 170,position x to 45, position y to 10, position z to 45
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set operation to pivot, amount of copies to 3, Click copy button to create copies.
Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
From the edit menu on the top toolbar click select all
Click on union 2, union 2(1), mesh 16 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
Top comments (0)