A Guide to 3D Modeling Toys with SelfCAD
With the advent of 3D modeling, designers now have powerful tools at their fingertips to create innovative and unique toys. In this guide, we will look at toy design in SelfCAD, an easy to use 3D modelling tool. You can check out the interactive tutorial to get to know how to achieve that.
SelfCAD is a powerful 3D design software that caters to both beginners and experienced designers. Packed with features, it offers all the necessary tools for creating both simple and complex 3D models of toys. To begin, launch SelfCAD and open the workspace:
The first step is to create the foundation object. On the toolbar, on the 3D Shapes, select the Sphere:
Set the parameters of the Sphere as shown below; Radius to 100, Horizontal Segments to 67, and Vertical Segments to 47:
Click the check mark to finalize the object. On the 3D Shapes again, activate the Sphere:
Set the Radius to 40, and Position Z to 90 as shown below:
Click on the check mark to finalize the sphere. Activate the Scale tool on the toolbar to scale the sphere. You can use the Gizmos to scale the object, or simply insert the numerals on the axes. In this case, set the Y axis to 40 and the Z axis to 119:
Click on the ‘X’ to close the transformation panel. On the Tools category on the toolbar, click on the Copy Offset tool:
Set the Operation to Pivot.
Set the Number of copies to 5 and click copy:
There you go, you have the copies:
Click on the “X” to close the Copy Offset panel as shown above.
On the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar, select the Sphere:
Set the Radius to 8, and on the Position, set the X-axis to 20, Y-axis to 120, and Z-axis to 90:
Click to finalize the object.
Select the object as shown below, then click Copy to make a copy of the sphere. Then on the toolbar, activate the Move tool:
Move the object horizontally using the Gizmos, or simply set the X-axis to -16:
Click the “X” to close the transformation panel.
Select all the objects as shown below:
On the 3D Shapes category, activate the Stitch and Scoop tool. Select the Union option:
Click on the check mark to finalize the operation:
There you go, the toy is ready:
You can change the color using the Color Picker on the right panel. Select your preferred color and click ok.
Designing the toy in SelfCAD is very easy, and it involves a few clicks. If you would like to prepare your design for 3D printing, you can use the software's built-in online slicer to do so. Learn how SelfCAD slicer 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.