How to 3D Model a Mortar and Pestle Using SelfCAD AI Features

Creating a 3D model from scratch can sometimes require considerable knowledge of traditional modeling tools and techniques. However, SelfCAD AI Features provides a simpler approach by allowing you to describe the object you want to create and use a reference image to guide the generation process. This guide walks you through how to create a mortar and pestle using the SelfCAD's AI Modeling feature.

Steps of Creating the Mortal and Pestle

Open the SelfCAD Editor

Start by launching the SelfCAD 3D modeling editor and opening a new project. Before using AI Modeling, make sure you are working in an empty or appropriate scene so that you can easily inspect the generated result.

SelfCAD’s AI Modeling feature is designed to help turn a description of an object into a 3D model, making it particularly useful when you know what you want to create but don't want to manually construct every component from basic shapes.

Select AI Modeling

Once inside the SelfCAD editor, locate and select the AI Modeling option:

This opens the AI modeling interface, where you can provide instructions describing the object you want SelfCAD to generate:

The important thing to understand here is that the AI doesn't simply look for the name of an object. The more useful information you provide about its shape, components, proportions, and purpose, the better it can interpret your design requirements.

Choose Functional Mode

In the AI Modeling interface, select Functional Assembly creation mode:

The Functional mode is useful when you're creating an object that has a practical purpose rather than simply creating an abstract or decorative shape.

A mortar and pestle is a good example because it consists of multiple functional components; A bowl-shaped mortar, a deep interior cavity, a thick outer wall, a stable base, a separate pestle and even a rounded grinding end. Remember, thinking about the object in terms of its individual functional parts is important when preparing your AI prompt.

Prepare a Reference Image

For this project, you can provide SelfCAD AI with a reference image of a mortar and pestle. (Remember, this is not the same as the Image to 3D tool). Our prompt here will be a bit short, and so the image gives the AI additional visual information about the object you want to create. While the text prompt explains your requirements, the reference image helps communicate the overall appearance, proportions, shape, and arrangement of the object.

You can get your reference images from the internet, or from your files. In this project, we have used this image:

When selecting an image, choose one that clearly shows the mortar and pestle. A simple image with the entire object visible is generally more useful than a heavily cluttered photograph. Remember, attaching the image is NOT COMPULSORY. The AI assistant can still work without it. 

Write AI Modeling Prompt

The next is to describe exactly what you want a SelfCAD AI assistant to create. Give the AI information about the purpose, components, dimensions, shapes, openings, and orientation of the model.

In this case, we have used a brief prompt, and the image plays a big role. 

Attach the Reference Image

After entering your prompt, attach the mortar and pestle reference image in the AI Modeling interface, by clicking on the Attach Image part shown: 

The text and image work together. Think of the prompt as explaining what you want, while the reference image provides visual guidance for what you mean. For example, if you describe a "rounded mortar," there are many possible interpretations. A reference image gives the AI additional visual context about the type of mortar you have in mind. However, the image should be treated as guidance rather than a replacement for the written instructions. If there are specific dimensions, openings, proportions, or positioning requirements, include those details in the prompt.

Generate the Model

Once your prompt and reference image are ready, click Generate:

SelfCAD AI will process your instructions and reference information and generate the 3D model:

This is where the AI modeling workflow differs from conventional modeling. Instead of manually creating cylinders, subtracting shapes, adjusting dimensions, and positioning objects yourself, you provide design intent, and the AI attempts to translate that intent into 3D geometry.

The generation process may produce a result that is close to your intended design, but it is important to remember that AI-generated models may require inspection and refinement.

The AI will analyze your request, generate elements and then it will generate a design concept that it will use, mark its complexity and also assembly type:

Then this will give you drafts of the model. Then you have to inspect, and if the drafts are okay, you can go ahead and prepare the parts: 

This will start preparing elements of the model:

Then the next step, when the elements are ready, click Generate Elements: 

The assistant will start creating the elements:

Then wait until it indicates that the elements are ready:

The next step is to assemble the elements to form the model. Click Assemble Model: 

Here you go, the model is now ready:

If the generated model doesn't match your expectations, don't immediately start the entire process again.You can choose to modify more by giving the AI assistant instructions on the highlighted part:

Once satisfied with the model generated, click Add to Scene so it appears in the 3D model projects:

You can also click add the model to the scene and it takes you to the editor as follows:

You can then modify the object more, for example, changing the colors:

You can also add materials:

The model is now ready. The quality of the result depends heavily on how clearly the design intent is communicated.

Conclusion

Designing a mortar and pestle with SelfCAD AI Modeling demonstrates how artificial intelligence can simplify the early stages of 3D modeling. Instead of manually building the entire object from primitive shapes, you can communicate your design requirements through a combination of text instructions and a visual reference.

The key to getting better results is to be specific. Describe the object's purpose, components, dimensions, geometry, openings, relationships, and orientation, then use the reference image (not compulsory) to provide additional visual context.

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Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.

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