How to 3D Design an Hourglass in SelfCAD
An hourglass is a gadget used to gauge the progression of time. It contains two glass bulbs associated upward by a restricted neck that permits a directed progression of a substance from the upper bulb to the lower one. Normally, the upper and lower bulbs are symmetric with the goal that the hourglass will quantify a similar span paying little heed to direction. The particular term of time a given hourglass measures is dictated by factors including the amount and coarseness of the particulate matter, the bulb size, and the neck width.
In this tutorial article, we are 3D designing an hourglass in 3D modeling software. We will be using some interesting tools like revolve tool, move tool, rotate tool, and line sketch to make this hourglass.
Let’s get going!
Step 1: Inserting a Reference Image
We will be making an hourglass using SelfCAD. First, we will insert a reference image. For that, go to view and add a reference image. Reduce its opacity to 48.
Then we will change the view into a top view and check the orthographic projection.
Step 2: Basic settings before starting the tracing process
We will go to Drawing and select a 3D sketch. In that, we will select line equipment. We will change the settings to precision settings and the minimum angle step to 15.
We also can use mesh+wireframe.
Step 3: Tracing the edges of the reference image
Now, we will draw a line. Mark the point at the center of the image and then draw the line to the top edge of it. Next, start tracing the image from its edge.
We will use a 2-point arc for the curved edges.
Try to trace all the edges that are open to the outside.
Don’t forget to deselect the minimum angle step while using the 2-point arc. Now we will use edge selection, select the edges that are unnecessarily drawn and delete it using the delete button.
Trace half of the image every time, including every bilaterally similar part.
Step 4: Setting the profiles for converting it into 3D model
Now we can uncheck both the profiles. Then go to view and unhide the reference image.
Let’s select both profiles again. Then use the move tool and move the image along the green axis.
Step 5: Revolving the object around the edge
Now to convert this object to a 3D model we can use the revolve tool. First, select the second profile and go to tools. Then select the revolve tool and check the revolve around the edge.
Select the major axis as the edge. Then increase the segments to 160 to make the object more smoother.
Step 6: Revolving the secondary objects
Now we can deselect the object that we had revolved and select the second object. Then we will revolve this again. We will revolve it around the edge and select the longer line as the edge.
Then change this into a mesh cube.
Step 7: Rotating the object to make it vertically stable
Next, we will use the rotate tool. We will select both the objects and click on rotate. We will rotate along the red axis in 90 degrees.
Then we can keep both the objects selected and move to the center point using the move tool.
Step 8: Copying the objects
Now deselect the larger object. Then we will copy the selected object and move its position. Make it pivot and set the number of copies to 3.
Step 9: Combining all the objects to make it a union
Now we will select all the objects and combine them. For that, we will go to stitch and scoop and click on the union to make it a whole. We can select all the unnecessary images and delete them.
So, we have created this simple hourglass using SelfCAD Software.
Conclusion
We have finally made one of the standard, basic and delightful hourglass plans. We have utilized reference pictures and tools that assisted us with designing different pieces of the hourglass. With the assistance of the copy and revolve, we have altered the shape as we needed. You can make various designs of such excellent relics using SelfCAD.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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