How to 3D Design a Basic 3D Paper Clip in a 3D Modeling Software
3D Designing is becoming well known in numerous businesses. With 3D designing, one composes 3D models that can be utilized to imagine genuine items. In this informative exercise, we are 3D modeling a paper clip in SelfCAD. Assuming you have not attempted it yet, SelfCAD is one of the easy to use yet astounding CAD program for beginners and professionals. We chose to use SelfCAD as it has all the key features one requires for their 3D designing and 3D printing tasks. Users can be able to model, sculpt, render, and even slice 3D models. The in-built slicer is key as it helps the 3D designers slice their 3D models and prepare them for 3D printing without having to switch to another software.
To 3d design the paper clip, we shall start by tracing the reference image, then transform it with tools like Follow Path, Add Thickness, Round Object, etc.
So let’s begin with the design!
Step1: Tracing the Reference Image
First of all, we will insert a reference image. For that, go to view and select the reference image. Then add an image of a paper clip. Set the opacity to 59.
Click on the top view and change the projection to orthographic projection.
Next, go to 3D sketch and select the line sketch to trace the straight lines of the image.
We will use the 2-point arc to trace the curved lines.
Trace the image from the center point following through the central axis of the image.
Step2: Creating a new profile which would be a circle
After that, uncheck the profile_11 and we will create a new profile. Next, choose the circle sketch and create a circle in the working interface. Do not create it on the image.
Step3: Scaling the circle according to the requirement of the model
Now, we will scale the circle. Select scale tool, opt for symmetry, and keep proportion in the advanced settings option. Change the x-axis and z-axis values to 0.5 both.
Step4: Using the follow path tool to convert the 2D sketch into a 3D model
Now, we will hide the reference image. For that, go to view and click on the reference image. Then click on the eye-shaped icon to hide the reference image.
To convert this 2D sketch to a 3D model, we will use the follow path tool. First, select the circle profile, which is profile_12 and then the second profile, which we created by tracing the reference image. Then go to tools and click on the follow path tool. Change the settings (if not similar) as shown in the image.
Step5: Adding thickness to the model
Now uncheck all other profiles except the one created recently, mesh_8. Next, we will add mass to the object. We will use the add thickness tool for that. Go to modify and select the add thickness tool. Set the thickness value to 6-7.
Now activate the reference image. For that, go to view and select the reference image. Then uncheck the eye-shaped icon. The reference image will be visible on the working interface. Now set the thickness according to the cross-sectional diameter of the reference image.
Step6: Adding smoothness to the model
Next, we will add smoothness to the 3D model. For that, go to modify and choose the round object tool. Then set the smoothness value to 2.
It will give the edges a smoother and polished look, as we see in the case of a regular paper clip. Then delete the reference image. Therefore, we have created a simple 3D paper clip using SelfCAD as the 3D modeling software.
Conclusion
We created a basic 3D paper clip using SelfCAD in six simple steps. 3D modeling characters isn't complicated as long as you have the best tools with you. You can also use the same strategy to 3D design your own designs using the same strategy and after you are done with 3D modeling, you can use the in-built slicer of SelfCAD to slice it and generate the G-Code that you can send to your 3D printer for 3D printing.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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