How to Design a Pottery Pattern Roller using 3D CAD Software
Designing a pottery pattern roller is a creative way to explore 3D modeling while making a useful tool for ceramic projects. In this article, we’ll show you how to design a custom pottery pattern roller using SelfCAD, an intuitive 3D modeling
platform that makes it easy to create detailed and functional designs. You’ll learn how to create the roller shape, add a repeating pattern, and prepare the model for 3D printing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, this project is a great way to develop your SelfCAD skills while creating a tool that can add unique textures and patterns to clay.
Follow along with the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/4ql4qo1u4j4a1e2n74m506f674h34f6fr5o5
Once you launch the editor;
Click image to 3D on the toolbar; Click select image button to load new image
Click load image from tutorial button to add image; Set resolution to 250
Tick the checkmark to finalize image to 3D
Click cube selection on the toolbar; Set bottom to 21, top to 50
Tick the checkmark to finalize cube selection
Click inverse selection button to inverse selection; Click delete button to delete selected objects
From the tools category on the toolbar choose fill polygons
Tick the checkmark to finalize fill polygons
Click scale on the toolbar; Set z to 50.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click rotate on the toolbar; Set z to 270.
From the deform category on the toolbar choose bend; Set dynamic origin to true, z to -360.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click rotate on the toolbar; Set z to 90.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set height to 5, horizontal segments to 50, position y to 199.
Click on imagegenerator1 to select it. Click on mesh 4 to deselect
Click move on the toolbar; Set z to 0.
Click on mesh 4 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 4 to subtract and set keepsubtractedobject to true
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 10, Bottom radius to 10, height to 250
Click on mesh 4 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.
Tick the checkmark to finalize union
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
