How to Create a Pillar in SelfCAD

In this tutorial article, we are going to 3D design a pillar. The 3D modeling software that we are using is SelfCAD. The tools of SelfCAD that we will employ are the 3D Shapes, Extrusion tool, Polygon Selection, Move Tool, Scale Tool, etc. We will begin by 3D designing a cylinder and developing it.

So, let's start!

Step1: Adding a cylinder in the working interface

First, we will create a 3D cylinder object. For that, we will go to 3D shapes and select the cylinder, then bring it to the working interface.  Set the top radius to 25, bottom radius to 25, height 5, and rest of the details as shown in the image. 

Step2: Extruding and scaling the top face of the 3D model to make the base

Next, click on the polygon selection and choose the top face of the cylinder. Then we will use the extrusion tool to extrude this face. Go to modify and select the extrusion tool. Set the amount to 1.

 Now, we will use the scale tool to scale the face. Set the X-axis and Z-axis to 45 each. 

Then again, we will go to modify and select the extrusion tool. Set the amount to 2 and click on okay. 

Now, we will use the scale tool, but this time we will set the X-axis and Z-axis to 40 each.

Step3: Adding the vertically elongated part to the pillar 

Next, again go to modify and select the extrusion tool. And this time, set the amount to 149. 

It will appear like an elongated cylinder placed on flattened and staggered cylinders. 

Step4: Creating the top of the pillar

Now, we will try to create the top of the pillar. Go to modify and select the extrusion tool. Set the amount to 1 this time. 

Then go to the scale tool and set the X-axis and Z-axis to 45 each. 

Now, we will extrude the top face again and set the amount to 2. 

Next, we will scale it and set the X-axis and Z-axis to 50 each. 

Now extrude the top face with an amount of 5. 

So, we have created this simple 3D pillar.  

Step5: Making cylindrical objects for detailing on the pillar

Now, we will create another cylinder object. Go to 3D shapes, select the cylinder, and bring it to the working interface.  Set the top radius to 2, bottom radius to 2, height 150, and rest of the details as shown in the image.

Now, move this mesh object to the 3D model using the align tool. For that, go to utilities and click align. Change the reference to mesh, align to middle and right as shown in the image. 

Step 6: Setting the cylindrical objects according to our requirement

Then change the view to the front view and use the move tool to bring the mesh object on the 3D model. Set the X-axis to 20. 

Now we will duplicate this mesh object with copy offsets. For that, go to tools and select copy offsets. Change the position to pivot and set the number of copies to 12. 

Then select all the mesh objects and merge them. Go to utilities and click on merge objects. 

Step 7: Subtracting these cylindrical objects so that it appears as detailing on the pillar

Now, we will subtract the mesh objects from the 3D model. For that, select both the profiles, go to stitch and scoop and choose the difference option. Change the settings to mesh objects and subtract them.

Conclusion

So, we have created a simple pillar using the various tools of SelfCAD especially the extrusion and scale tools. If you own a 3D printer, you can slice the model using the in-built slicer of SelfCAD and generate the G-code that you will send to your printer. You can also use the same strategy to 3D design other models with much ease in SelfCAD.

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