How to 3D Design a Simple Lampshade Using Torus and Copy Offset Tools of SelfCAD
In this article, we’ll show you how to design a simple and stylish lampshade using SelfCAD's Torus and Copy Offset tools. If you are new to 3D design SelfCAD’s easy-to-use interface and helpful features will make the process easy. The Copy Offset Tool in SelfCAD lets you make copies of an object or part of an object at a set distance or angle from the original. It's a flexible tool that helps you create patterns or add layers to your design. When used creatively, it can give your model a unique and textured appearance. You can check out the interactive tutorial to learn how to do it.
Steps to Making a Lampshade
Start by launching SelfCAD and open the workspace:
Create the basic shape by selecting a Torus from the 3D Shapes:
Set the parameters of the Torus as follows:
Tick the check mark to finalize the torus. On the toolbar, select the Copy Offset tool from Tools category, and set the operation to Pivot. Set the Number of Copies to 14 and then click Copy:
Click “X” to close the Copy Offset panel. Select all the copies and click Stitch and Scoop and select Union:
Click to finalize Union. Select the Torus again from the 3D Shapes and set the parameters as shown:
Select the Scale tool from the toolbar, and on the Advanced Settings set the Symmetry to true. Use the gizmo to set Z to 75:
Click “X” to close the transformation panel. Select the Copy Offset tool from Tools category and set the operation to Pivot. Set the Number of Copies to 10 and then click Copy:
Click “X” to close the transformation panel:
Click Stitch and Scoop > Union:
Select the two objects, and click Stitch and Scoop on the toolbar, and choose Union:
Tick the check mark to finalize the object. The lampshade is finally ready:
You can go ahead and give color to the object from the Color Picker:
Once you've used the Copy Offset Tool to create your pattern, it's important to make sure the design will still work for 3D printing. This is because we’re working with duplicates, some parts of the model might overlap or leave gaps. To fix any issues, you can use SelfCAD's Solidify Tool or Magic Fix Tool. The video below shows how the magic fix tool works.
These tools will help clean up the model and make sure it’s ready for printing. After creating your 3D model, you can use the in-built online slicer of SelfCAD to slice your design. Get to know how it works in the video below.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.