3D Modeling a Nice Chopping Board in SelfCAD

Companies use 3D modeling to make fast and cheap versions of kitchen tools. They create virtual models to try out different designs and changes without making actual prototypes, and at the same time ensuring it is cost-effective. 3D modeling enables customization of kitchen utensils to meet specific user needs or preferences. Designers can easily modify dimensions, shapes, and features to create personalized products tailored to individual requirements.

Step-by-step Guide to Modeling a Chopping Board in SelfCAD

SelfCAD is an easy-to-use and intuitive 3D modeling and slicing software designed for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals alike. It offers a range of tools and features for creating 3D models and even modify designs created in other programs. In this section, we are looking at the steps of making a chopping board with a handle in SelfCAD. We are using a reference image, to help in understanding the shape and details of the chopping board. Then afterward, edit details and add textures to make it more realistic. 

To begin, launch SelfCAD and open the workspace.

On the top toolbar, on the View menu, select the Reference Image to upload a reference image already downloaded:

Click Add Image on the left panel, and select Load Image from the tutorial:

After loading the image, set the parameters. Set the Opacity to 50:

Click on the “X” to close the reference image panel. 

On the Drawing category on the toolbar, select the 3D Sketch tool:

On the tool panel, select to activate Rectangle:

The next step is to set the parameters. On the Precision Settings, set the Minimum Step Angle to true:

Click on the highlighted point and draw the rectangle:

Connect with the point shown below:

Connect with the point shown below to complete the rectangle:

Click on the highlighted point to start drawing a new rectangle:

Connect with the point below:

Connect to the point shown below to complete the rectangle:

There you go, you have drawn two rectangles:

Activate Circle tool:

Click on the highlighted point to draw a circle:

Connect it to the point below to complete the circle:

Click on the “X” to close the 3D Sketch panel. Click to activate the Edge Selection: 

Use the marquee selection to select the edge shown below:

On the toolbar, click Delete to do away with the selected edge: Set X to 30:

Click “X” to close the transformation panel. Click on the grid to deselect the highlighted regions. On the toolbar from the Modify category, choose Edit Details:

Set Part of the Geometry to Vertex:

Click on the point highlighted to add a vertex:

Add another vertex again as shown below:

Add two other vertices as shown below:

Tick the check mark to finalize the edit details:

Activate the Vertex Selection:

 Use the marquee selection to select the added vertices as shown below:

Go to the transformation tools and select Scale tool. Set X to 30:

Use the marquee selection again to select only the top added vertices as shown below:

While the Scale tool is still open, set X to 25:

Click on the “X” to close the transformation panel. De-select the selected areas. You can do this by simply clicking on the grid. From the Modify category, select the Fillet tool:

Set the parameters. Set the Level to 5:

Tick the check mark to finalize the fillet operation. From the Modify category, select Extrusion tool:

Tick the check mark to finalize the extrusion:

Turn off the object selection. From the right panel, choose the Material:

Set the settings to Textures:

Set the Texture category to wood:

Click on the Wood 1 to apply the texture:

Tick the check mark to finalize the texture. From the View menu on the top toolbar, click on the Reference Image to add the reference image:

Click on the Delete button to remove the reference image as shown below:

Click on the “X” to close the reference image panel. 

There you go, the chopping board with a handle is ready. In conclusion, using SelfCAD to design a chopping board makes it easy to create your own custom kitchen tool. SelfCAD is simple to use and has lots of tools for shaping and refining your design. You can change its size, add details, and try out different looks until you're happy with it. With SelfCAD, you have the freedom and accuracy to turn your ideas into reality.

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Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.

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