How to Design a Tumbling Toy using 3D CAD Software
Designing toys is a creative and rewarding way to explore 3D modeling, and with modern tools, anyone can bring their ideas to life. In this article, we’ll walk through how to design a fun and functional tumbling toy using SelfCAD. A tumbling toy is designed to rock or flip back to its original position, making it both entertaining and a great exercise in balance and structure. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics of 3D design or someone looking to expand your skills, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the key concepts involved while creating a playful, interactive model from scratch
Follow along with its interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/2x6k426i6okq4i2k21622r2t4s3r2g37cu1e
Once you launch the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set horizontal segments to 50, position x to 50.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click cube selection on the toolbar; Set units to percentage, right to 50
Tick the checkmark to finalize cube selection
Click move on the toolbar; Set x to -75.
Click on highlighted region to deselect it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to 10.
Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness
From the modify category on the toolbar choose cut with plane; Set bottom/top plane offset to 90, split objects to true, fill cuts to true
Click isolate button to isolate selected objects
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 55, Bottom radius to 55, height to 10, horizontal segments to 50, position x to 50, position y to 85.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click cube selection on the toolbar; Set units to percentage, right to 50
Tick the checkmark to finalize cube selection
Click move on the toolbar; Set x to -76.5.
Click show button to show mesh 4 cut 0
Click on mesh 4 cut 0 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8 to subtract.
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 85
Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 220; z to 120.5
Click on mesh 4 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 4 cut 0 to subtract and set keepsubtractedobject to true.
Click on mesh 4 to deselect
Click hide button to hide selected object
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose sphere; Set radius to 45, horizontal segments to 50, vertical segments to 50, position y to 10.
Tick the checkmark to finalize sphere
Click show button to show mesh 4 cut 0
As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.
More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace
Top comments (0)