How to 3D Design Numbers in SelfCAD
The fast advancements in technology is helping teachers and educators now to have wide range of tools available to improve learning. One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of 3D design and 3D printing into the classroom. This allows students to engage with lessons in new and interactive ways. 3D numbers are numbers you can see in 3D, unlike flat numbers on paper or screens. You can move and look at 3D numbers from different sides. This makes them feel real and fun to use, helping students understand math better.
To create the 3D numbers, we shall use Text Generator tool, and then scale, position, and color the files. You can check the interactive tutorial to get to know how to 3D model. To begin, launch SelfCAD and open the workspace.
To create these numbers, we are going to use the Text Generator. On the toolbar, select the Text from the Generators category:
Type in 0 and set Position X to -100 and Rotation X to -90:
Tick the check mark to finalize the text:
Select the Text again from the Generators and type in 1. Set the Position Y to -80 and Rotation X to -90:
Tick the check mark to finalize the text. Give color to the text by clicking on the Color Picker and select the orange color and click ok:
Select the Text Generator again and type in 2. Set the Position X to -60 and Rotation X to -90:
Tick the check mark to finalize the text. Give it a Green color from the Color Picker:
Select the Text Generator again and type in 3. Set the Position X to -40 and Rotation X to -90:
Tick the check mark to finalize the text. Give the number a Magenta color from the Color Picker and click ok to finalize:
Select the Text Generator and type in 4. Set the Position X to -20 and Rotation X to -90:
Tick the check mark to finalize the text. Give it a yellow color from the Color Picker and click ok to confirm it:
Select the Text Generator again and type in 5. Set the Position X to 0 and Rotation X to -90:
Tick the check mark to finalize the text. Give it a blue color from the Color Picker and click ok to confirm it:
Select the Text Generator again and type in 6. Set the Position X to 20 and Rotation X to -90:
Finalize the text and give it a Pink color:
Type in the next number; 7. Then set Position X to 40 and Rotation X to -90:
Tick the check mark to finalize the text. Give the text a color and click ok to apply it:
Select the Text Generator again and type in 8. Set the Position X to 60 and Rotation X to -90:
Tick the check mark to finalize the text. Give the text a red color and click ok to apply it:
Type in the next number; 9. Then set Position X to 80 and Rotation X to -90:
Tick the check mark to finalize the text. Give the text a Mint color and click ok to apply it:
These steps helps you to create the numbers using the text generator tool and give them color using the Color Picker in SelCAD. These steps can be used to create alphabets and other things you want.
As 3D modeling and printing technology becomes easier to use and get, more schools will likely start using these tools in their lessons. This will create a more interactive, engaging, and effective way of teaching that meets the needs of all students.
Teachers can easily create 3D numbers with tools like SelfCAD software, and use them in their lessons . These program let teachers make models that fit the needs of their classroom. For example, a teacher could design 3D numbers to show different math operations, helping students see how numbers work in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. After 3D modeling, they can also use SelfCAD slicer to slice the files and generate the G-code to send to the 3D printer. The video below shows how to slice files in SelfCAD.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.