3D Designing a T-Shaped Pipe in SelfCAD
In this tutorial article, we will 3D design a T-shaped pipe. The 3D modeling software that we are utilising is SelfCAD. The tools of SelfCAD that we will use are the 3D Shapes, polygon selection, scale tool, Move tool, and so on. We will start by 3D designing a cylinder and evolving it. By sorting out ways to 3D design this T-shaped pipe, you will get to know how to manipulate different tools of SelfCAD.
Let’s begin!
Step1: Insert Two Cylinders and Rotate Them
First of all, go to 3D shapes and insert a cylinder in the working interface.
Then use the rotate tool to rotate the object along the red axis in 90 degrees.
Next, we will use the scale tool to scale it horizontally along the blue axis towards the outer side.
Now we will copy this object by selecting the copy option. Then we will use the rotate tool again and rotate it along the red axis in 90 degrees.
Step2: Align the Cylinders Together to Form a T-shape
Next, we will go to utilities and select the align tool. Set the reference to mesh.
Now we will move the vertical object. For that, we will use the scale tool and scale the bottom edge along the green axis and bring it to the central axis of the horizontal object.
Then we will combine these two objects. For that, select the objects, go to stitch and scoop and choose the union option.
Step3: Add thickness to make it look solid.
Next, we will use polygon selection and choose all the circular faces of the object and delete it.
Now we will add mass to the object. For that, go to modify and select the add thickness tool. Set the thickness to -10.
Step4: Add cylindrical objects on the top circular face of the 3D model
Then, deselect the polygon selection. Next, we will again go to 3D shapes and insert a new cylinder object.
Now we will use the scale tool and scale the base of the object to the top, as shown in the picture.
Now, we will move this new object to the 3D model that we created earlier. For that, go to utilities and select the align tool. Set the reference to union and align to top.
Then, we will scale the cylinder object. Go to the scale tool and scale it from the center. Make it bigger than the top surface of the 3D model.
Next, select the cylinder object and opt for polygon selection. Choose the top face of the cylinder and delete it, then select the bottom face and delete that also.
Now we will add thickness to convert the free space into 3D solid. For that, go to modify and select the add thickness tool. Set the thickness to 10. Then we will deselect the polygon selection.
Step5: Copy the cylindrical object and add the other two circular faces.
Now, we will copy the cylindrical object. For that, select the object and click on the copy option. Move the 3D model to the top, aligning with the copied object. Basically, we have to fit this copied object on the circular surface of the 3D model. Then select the rotate tool and rotate the cylindrical object along the red axis in 90 degrees. Now we will go to utilities and use the align tool to align it on the circular face. Set the reference to union and align to middle and front.
Now, copy the object that we placed recently. Then repeat the same process with the recently copied object and set it accordingly on the other circular face of the 3D model.
Next, select all the objects. Go to stitch and scoop and make it a union.
Conclusion
We have 3D designed the T-Shaped Pipe in SelfCAD and we have also shown how you can use the various tools of SelfCAD like polygon selection and 3D shapes as well as other essential tools like scale, move, and align. All the 3D models created in SelfCAD are 3D printable as they leave no mathematical mishandles that could make courses of action hard to print. Once wrapped up with the design cycle, you can utilize the in-built slicer of SelfCAD to produce the G-Code record that you can send to your 3D printer.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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