3D Modeling a Lock in SelfCAD

The use of 3D modeling is highly beneficial in the design of locks and keys, transforming traditional locksmithing methods. With 3D modeling software, designers can create detailed and personalized lock systems to meet specific security requirements. This technology allows for the visualization of complex designs before production, facilitating quick adjustments and enhancements. This article looks at how to design a lock using SelfCAD software. You can check out the interactive tutorial to learn how to do it.

Steps to Designing a Lock in SelfCAD

In this section, you'll learn how to use the Macro options available for the Extrusion tool in SelfCAD to program multiple repetitions of the same action with a custom pattern to design more complex shapes. Launch SelfCAD and open the workspace:

On the toolbar, from the 3D Shapes, select a cylinder:

Set the parameters of the cylinder as follows:

Set the Rotation Z to 90:

Tick the check mark to finalize the cylinder. On the right panel, select to activate Polygon Selection. Select the highlighted face on the cylinder as shown below. On the toolbar, from the Modify category, select Extrusion tool:

Set the Extrusion Amount to 10:

From the Advanced Settings, set the operation to Rotate:

On the Rotate set the Y to -15. Set the Amount of Copies to 12:

Tick the check mark to finalize the extrusion:

On the toolbar, from the Modify category, select Extrusion:

Set the Extrusion Amount to 50:

Tick on the check mark to finalize the extrusion:

From the 3D Shapes, select the cube:

Set the Height to 40, Depth to 120 and Position X to 50 and Position Z to 40:

Tick on the check mark to finalize the cube:

On the right panel, activate the Edge Selection. Select the four edges of the cube as shown below. From the Modify category, select Fillet:

Set the Level to 5 and tick the check mark to finalize the fillet:

Select the mesh_20, then on the toolbar, click on the Move tool and set the parameters as shown below, and then click on the “X” to close the panel:

From the 3D Shapes, select a cylinder:

Set the parameters of the cylinder as shown below:

Set the position as shown below:

Tick the check mark to finalize the cylinder:

Select all the meshes, and then click on the Stitch and Scoop on the toolbar, and choose Difference:

Select the mesh_20 and mesh_38 to subtract them. Set the Keep the Substracted Object to true. Tick the check mark to finalize the difference:

From the 3D Shapes, activate the Cube:

Set the parameters of the cube as shown below:

Position it as shown below:

Tick the check mark to finalize the cube. Select meshu_26 and mesh_37. On the toolbar, click on the Stitch and Scoop, and select Difference:

Select mesh-37 to subtract it. Then tick the check mark to finalize it:

There you go, you have designed a lock in SelfCAD. 3D modeling technology is creating a big positive impact in various industries. Designing and adjusting locks has been made easy with software such as SelfCAD. SelfCAD has an intuitive interface, that user user-friendly yet applicable for designing even more intricate geometries. This makes it more friendly for beginners in 3d modeling and also for experienced 3d artists.