3D Exercise 87
- Breno Cruz
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
In this CAD tutorial we'll use the features:
1. Extrude (with Taper Angle)
Definition: Creates a 3D shape with sloped walls instead of vertical ones. How it works: Inside the standard Extrude command, there is a small input box called "Taper Angle."
Positive Number (e.g., 5°): The shape gets wider as it goes up (like a funnel).
Negative Number (e.g., -5°): The shape gets narrower as it goes up (like a pyramid). Best for:
Draft Angles: Essential for injection molding. If walls are perfectly vertical, the plastic part gets stuck in the mold. A -2° taper ensures it pops out easily.
Pyramids: Creating spikes or diamond textures.
2. Offset Plane
Definition: Creates a sketching canvas floating in the air, parallel to an existing face. How it works: You select a face (like the floor) and drag the plane up (e.g., 50mm). Best for: Creating features that don't start on the base object, like the top level of a tiered cake or a floating logo.
3. Rectangular Pattern
Definition: Multiplies a feature or body into rows and columns (a grid). How it works:
Select Object: The feature you want to copy (e.g., one pyramid spike).
Select Directions: Two edges (X and Y axis).
Quantity: How many rows (e.g., 10) and columns (e.g., 5). Best for: Keypads, ventilation grills, Lego studs, or floor tiles.
4. Fillet
Definition: Rounds off sharp edges. How it works: Applies a radius to smooth the part. Best for: Softening the sharp point of a tapered extrude so it is safe to touch.
5. Mirror
Definition: Creates a symmetrical copy. How it works: Duplicates your grid to the other side. Best for: Saving processing power. Instead of patterning a huge grid of 100x100 items (which might slow down your computer), you can Pattern a 50x100 block and then Mirror it instantly.
6. Shell
Definition: Hollows out a solid body, leaving thin walls of a specific thickness. How it works:
Select Body: Click the solid block you want to hollow.
Select Face(s) to Remove: Click the face that should be the "opening." If you don't select any face, it hollows the inside completely (like a hollow chocolate egg).
Set Thickness: Type the wall thickness (e.g., 2mm). Best for:
Containers: Cups, boxes, vases, and enclosures.
Manufacturing: Preparing parts for plastic injection molding (where uniform wall thickness is required to prevent warping).
All dimensions are in mm/g/s/ISO
3D Sketch
Exercise 87 - 3D practice drawing for all CAD software ( AutoCAD, SolidWorks, 3DS Max, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, CATIA, Creo Parametric, SolidEdge etc.)
Tip: Subscribe to the channel for more tutorials like this.
Tutorial In Autodesk Fusion: https://youtu.be/-Yw5YG4ZWzE
Comments