How to Use SelfCAD to Model a 3D Dart
SelfCAD offers a comprehensive suite of tools not just for 3D design but also for sculpting, rendering, and even slicing models for 3D printing. This all-in-one approach simplifies the workflow for users who might otherwise need multiple software programs. It's designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced features for experienced designers. The interface is intuitive and includes extensive tutorials and guides to help users get started. This makes SelfCAD suitable for any 3D modeling activities. In this guide, we are going to look at how to 3D model a dart in the software. You can check out the interactive tutorial to learn how to do it.
In summary, begin by launching the software and open the workspace:
From the 3D Shapes, select a Cylinder:
Set the Height to 1, Vertical Segment to 64, Position Y to -150, Position Y to 100. Tick the check mark to finalize the cylinder:
On the toolbar, from the Deform category, select the Taper:
Click on the Advanced Settings and set the plane to Left/Right. On the coordinates, set the Z to -85 and then click “X” to close the panel:
Click on the copy icon on the toolbar as shown below:
Select the copy made and click on the Rotate Tool on the toolbar. Set X to 90:
Click “X” to close the transformation panel. Select the Cylinder from the 3D Shapes:
Set the parameters of the cylinder as shown below:
Set the position and the rotation as shown below:
Tick the check mark to finalize the cylinder. From the 3D Shapes select the Capsule:
Set the parameters as shown below:
Set the Position and Rotation as shown below:
Tick the check mark to finalize the capsule. Activate the Cube Selection:
Set Right to 20, and tick the check mark to finalize the cube selection:
Click delete:
From the Modify category select Add Thickness:
Set the Thickness to 1.5 and Mirrored Thickness to true:
Tick the check mark to finalize the thickness. From the 3D Shapes select the Cone:
Set the parameters as shown below:
Set the position and the rotation as shown below:
Tick the check mark to finalize the cone. From the 3D Shapes select the Torus:
Set the parameters of the torus as shown below:
Set the position and rotation as shown below:
Tick the check mark to finalzie the torus. From the Tools category, select the Copy Offset:
Set the X to 3, Number of Copies to 6 and click Copy:
Click “X” to close the panel. Select Group on the Edit menu on the top toolbar:
Select mesh_26 and on the top toolbar, click on the Stitch and Scoop and choose Difference:
Select group_1 to subtract it:
Tick the check mark to finalize the difference. Select all the objects in the workspace. Click on the Stitch and Scoop and choose Union:
Tick the check mark to finalize the union. There you go, you have made the 3D Dart:
In conclusion, SelfCAD offers a user-friendly platform equipped with various tools, making it an excellent choice for modeling a 3D dart. With its intuitive interface and integrated features for sculpting, modeling, and preparing models for 3D printing, SelfCAD simplifies the design process for both beginners and experienced designers alike. After creating your 3D model, you can use the in-built online slicer of the software to slice your files and generate the G-code to send to your 3D printer. The video below shows how to slice STL 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.