CAD - Onshape

The next skill I will develop using the CAD, computer-aided design, is translating the 2D basic shapes into 3D form using the website called 'Onshape'. Starting with importing image, I will be creating some cool 3D models of the 2D basic shapes I previously sketched in real life.

Importing Image

This is how the document looks like right after it's been created.

Following the steps above, the image that I want will be shown on the screen.

Process using sketch & revolve & fillet tools

To create a 3D shape, I first need to draw a sketch of the shape I want to revovle. Click sketch and pick the front plane to sketch on. Then, use the 'line' tool on the left of the top bar and draw a straight center line.

This is how the shape should look like.

Using the center line, for this cylinder, sketch the half of the rectangle.

This is the 'revolve' tool that will make all the '3D things' happen.

After clicking the revolve tool, it will ask to select the revolve axis. Click the center line as the revolve axis.

This is the how the 3D model looks at the end.

Complete the other 3d shapes using the same method. Also, I kept the names of each sections clear so that I will be able to find right section when I need. For example, for this shape, I named it 'shape 2' but any name is okay if I can recognize it.

For other shapes like handles with rounded edges, spheres, and cubes, there are some extra tools I can use. These are demonstrated below.

For handles with rounded edges, similarly, draw the center line, sketch the rectangle and revolve it.

Use the 'fillet' tool to round the edge of the shape.

Select the desired edges to round, and drag the arrow inside.

This is how the completed three shapes look like with revolve, fillet, and straight line tool.

Creating models with different methods

To create a model of sphere or cube, using the methods above isn't the quickest and easiest way. Instead, I used few new tools to easily create these models.

Sphere & oval

To create round shapes like spheres and ovals, use the 'arc' tool to easily draw smooth curve for applying revolve tool. I used 3 point arc, which draws arc based on the 3 points I mark.

This is what the 3 point arc looks like. After drawing an arc, just like other shapes, use the revolve tool and revolve the shape from the middle line. Then, an oval or sphere like image above will be created.

Although using the 3 point arc method is helpful for drawing an oval quickly, still, using the 'center line - revolve - fillet' method works as well. Deciding what skill to use is completely up to the creator!

Cube

To create shapes like cube and irregular shape like image on the right, revolve method does not work. For these shapes, use the 'extrude' tool.

First, sketch the shape, in this case, a rectangle, that I would like to extrude.

Then click the sketch, and extrude it until it is thick enough. And then, just like the others, use fillet tool for rounded edges if needed. Apply this method to other square and irregular shapes for quick and easy creation.

Final piece

These are the finished 3D - rendered models in various angles. I learned some new tools on Onshape that cut, sketch, add, and sculpt shapes like magic. Because these shapes weren't too complicated, I was able to create it in quite short time, but more complex shapes will definitely require more time, effort, and knowledge. Can't wait for more experiments with CADs!

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